Augusta – Denise M. Bard, 79, of Gardiner, died on Thursday, May 8, at Augusta Maine General Hospital.

She was born in Houlton on Oct. 3, 1928, a daughter to the late Harold and Muriel (Hayes) Newcomb. She graduated for Hallowell High School in 1947, and went on to work for various state offices as a secretary. In her younger years she enjoyed ballet and dancing. Denise was also a seamstress, artist, poet, musician and a lover of nature and cats. She married the love of her life, Wesley Bard, on Sept. 20, 1981. Together they were very active in their church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in Farmingdale. She was also a member of the relief society. In her younger years she enjoyed ballet and dancing. She will be missed for her wit and misical talents.

She leaves her husband of 26 years, Wesley of Gardiner; a son, Samuel Blethen of Oregon; a grandson, Ian Blethen of Gardiner; two stepsisters, Elaine Newcomb and Beverly Leighton; a very close cousin, Martha Pollard of Lakeland, Fla; and an uncle, Ernest Newcomb of Jefferson.

She was predeceased by a son, Norman Blethen.