LEWISTON – A Mass of Christian Burial honoring the life of USAF Chief Master Sgt. Denise E. Mikolajczyk was celebrated Friday by the Rev. Nathan March at St. Patrick’s Church of the Prince of Peace Parish. After prayers at the Pinette and Lynch Funeral Home, a funeral procession to church was led by the Androscoggin Sheriff’s Department’s Sgt. William Gagne assisted by the Lewiston Police Department.

At church, both Benjamin and Dylan Mikolajczyk draped their mother’s casket with the church burial pall which represents Denise’s Baptism into a new life. The Old Testament reading was read by Denise’s niece, Stephanie Gagne, and the New Testament reading was read by Denise’s cousin, Keri-Lynn Myrick. The prayer of the faithful was read by Denise’s sister-in-law, Clarine Boeck. The offertory gifts were brought to the altar by Denise’s brother, Michael Grenier, her niece, Sammi Grenier, and her sister, Sue Grenier. Words of remembrance were shared by Denise’s sister, Patti Gagne at the conclusion of Mass.

At St. Peter’s Cemetery, the USAF Color Guard from Hanscom Air Force Base greeted the funeral procession that included Denise’s USAF funeral escort, from Langley Air Force Base, Chief Master Sgt. Renee Starghill as USAF honor bearers carried Denise into St. Peter’s Chapel, where Father March recited committal prayers. After prayers the USAF honor detail fired three volleys and played taps. Then American flags were folded and presented to Denise’s mother, Joyce Richmond, and to Denise’s sons, Benjamin and Dylan Mikolajczyk in recognition of Denise’s contributions to her country and her fellow airmen while serving in the U.S. Air Force.

At the conclusion of services, all in attendance were invited to the Carriage House Banquet Facility in Lewiston for a reception of fellowship.

Arrangements by the Pinette & Lynch Funeral Home.