Denise Shawnell Burland, 53

Denise Shawnell Burland, 53 of Polson, passed away Aug. 27, 2025, in an automobile accident. Denise was born July 25, 1972, to Alan Burland and Jeannie (Burland) Nowotny in Polson. 

Denise was raised in Polson and went on to Trapper Creek Job Corps where she received her GED. She worked in different laborer jobs throughout her life as a housekeeper, cook, bartender and construction worker. She enjoyed playing pool, gambling, karaoke (especially “What’s Up” by 4 Non Blondes), collecting rocks and the outdoors.

Denise had the ability to be that friend who could listen, offer advice and encouragement and be there when you needed her. She truly cared about people and wanted to help others when she was able to.

She loved her family and never shied away from just showing up and lending a hand. This ranged from caring for and checking on loved ones to doing various kinds of yard work. Denise will be greatly missed by all who knew her and loved her.

Denise is preceded in death by her grandparents, Norma and Swede Couture and Faye and Richard Burland; siblings Ruby Dawn and Derek Burland; and dad, Alan Burland.

Denise is survived by her partner, John (Strawberry) Lilley; her children, Nico (Steven) Brumbaugh of Billings, Tyrone Isakson of Billings, Raven Thompson of Bozeman, Derek Thompson of Bozeman, Gaebriel Thompson of Polson, Austin Burland of Polson, and Autumn Burland of Polson; her grandchildren, Jerome, Jaklyn, Jaelah, Aiden, Lela, Harper and Diego; her mom, Jeannie Nowotny; siblings Kurt (Lena) Burland, Miranda Burland and Nick Burland; and many aunties, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Memorial Services were held at The Lake Funeral Home on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, at 10 a.m., then a trip to Lakeview Cemetery followed by a luncheon and gathering at the Polson Indian Senior Center. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com.

Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.