Vale Denise Arlette Scott (1941–2026)
By Doug and Cate Patterson (April 2026)
On Monday, 13th April, family, friends, and the Montville community gathered in Nambour to celebrate the remarkable life of Denise Arlette Scott. Affectionately known as ‘Mum’ to many, Denise was remembered for her warmth, generosity, and vibrant spirit – as a chef, one of the beloved ‘Montville Ladies’, half of the iconic Margaret and Denise Catering Team, the Montville Cake Decorator, an early member of the Montville History Group, and an adventurous traveller with a story for every occasion.
Denise was born in Roma to Flo and Arthur Stehn, who were known for their model railway exhibition in the Montville Dome in the late 1970s. She grew up on a small crop farm in Kingston, helping her mother run the property when her father was ‘called up’ during World War II. It was there that Denise’s love for cooking took root as she made her first ‘mud cakes’ in the fields as a child.
After the war, the family relocated to Rockhampton, where Denise attended high school and, while still a student, won first prize for her cake decorating—a sign of the passion and talent that would shape her future.
After graduating, Denise began her career as an apprentice beautician at Grayson’s Beauty Parlour in Elizabeth Street, Brisbane. It was in Brisbane, through a shared passion for go-kart racing, that she met Ted Scott. They married, and in 1963 welcomed their son Michael.
The family returned to Rockhampton, where Denise became head of the new cosmetics department at Stewarts and earned certification from several leading cosmetic companies. Their daughter Bronwyn was born in 1967, and shortly after, the family moved to Palmwoods to farm strawberries, zucchini, and later avocados.
Denise and her family moved ‘up the hill’ to Kondalilla and established a small café on Kondalilla Road. Over time, they renovated and expanded it to create the Blackall Range’s first licensed restaurant, the Kondalilla Licensed Restaurant. Here, Denise’s culinary flair blossomed as she served an à la carte menu that drew diners from the Coast and Brisbane.
When her marriage ended, Denise sold the restaurant and took a chef’s position in Maleny, moving her family across the valley to settle in Western Avenue, Montville.
During this time, Denise became an active member of the Montville Ladies Social and Benefit Club, helping stage fashion parades and, with Margaret Farmer, catering many community events. Their partnership grew into a thriving business, Mardee Catering, with Denise and Margaret catering for almost every function in Montville and Denise decorating countless cakes.
When her son Mike moved north, Denise worked at several Tableland hotels, concluding her career in Mareeba. She was especially proud when her last apprentice became chef at Government House, Canberra.
An enthusiastic traveller, Denise returned to Montville after retirement, living with Bronwyn and organising memorable road trips for her friends— firstly by car, where she earned a reputation as a fearsome driver, and later by bus. She remained active in the Montville History Group, sharing stories of village life as Montville evolved into the vibrant community it is today.
Although Denise was unable to complete her own story as age limited her energy, her legacy endures. She will be remembered for living life to the fullest and as a cherished member of a remarkable group of women whose contributions helped shape the Montville community.
