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Deborah Cuccia Obituary

Milton Deborah Griffin Cuccia, 57 of Milton, died peacefully, Wednesday, May 28 at her home, following a courageous six year battle with both colon and pancreatic cancer. A true inspiration to all who knew her, Debbie had lived with, yet had never allowed cerebral palsy to interfere with her meeting each day's challenge with tenacity, determination and grace. From typing 70 words per minute one-handed to conquering ski slopes in Killington, VT, Debbie amazed all who knew and dearly loved her. Debbie was born in Newton and grew up in Sudbury and Weston, as the beloved daughter of Mary Ormsby Griffin and the late John T. Griffin before moving to Milton where she and her former husband raised their beautiful daughter Jillian. From early childhood, Debbie and her extended family spent many joyful summers on Craigville Beach and Oyster Harbors. Debbie was a graduate of Weston High School, Mt. Ida and Lesley College. She worked in the securities industry before following her life's passion, teaching students at Pearce Middle School in Milton and the Woodward School for Girls in Quincy. In addition to Jillian and her mom, Debbie leaves her sisters and brothers, Maryblair Byrd and her husband Guy of Roanoke, VA, John T. "Griff" Griffin, Jr. of Centerville, the late Anne Herrick and her husband, Ted of Marstons Mills and Teluride, CO, Marcia Russell and her husband, Bob of Annapolis, MD, Lisa Hagerty of Stowe, VT and William "Nick" Griffin and his wife Kari of Hopkinton as well as 17 loving nieces and nephews. A memorial mass will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 2 at Our Lady of Assumption Church, 76 Wianno Avenue, Osterville, MA. Debbie and her entire family would like to thank Dr. Dave Ryan and all the dedicated health care providers at Massachusetts General Hospital and Partner's Hospice who cared for her so lovingly and professionally over the years. At Debbie's request, donations may be made in her memory to Mass General Hospital for Children c/o Massachusetts General Hospital Development Office, 165 Cambridge Street, Suite 600, Boston, MA 02114.

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Published by The Patriot Ledger on May 30, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Deborah Cuccia

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Erin Power

May 24, 2022

Sending you lots of love and prayers today, Jillian. I can still see your mon's beautiful smile.

Jim and Val McClellan

June 2, 2008

Jillian- We will miss your mom around the training center. She had the best time watching you grow from hopefuls.

Leslie Pouliot

June 2, 2008

It was with great sadness that I read about Deb's passing. I worked with her in Milton where she touched the lives of many students and faculty members. I have fond memories of our Monday morning conversations each week regarding the ski conditions up north. She was a terrific lady. I am so sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,

Kathy Caccamo

June 1, 2008

Jillian-
I was so sorry to read about the loss of your mom. She was such a sincere, positive person, always smiling. Having taught you in second grade, I was always impressed by the great pride she displayed in all your accomplishments.
I know that her spirit will live on through you, Jillian.

Bob Beatty

June 1, 2008

We are so sorry for your loss. She was one of the best. Her smile will forever be with me.
Love,
Bob,Mary and Samantha Beatty

Amandalee Asvestas

May 31, 2008

When I think about Mrs. Cuccia the first word that comes to my mind is GREATNESS. No matter what Mrs. Cuccia was going through in her personal life she never let it get in the way of helping her students or family. She achieved greatness in so many ways and passed that greatness on to anyone who was graced by her presence.

My condolences go out to Jill and her family. If you need anything at all and if there is anything I can do please let me know. Mrs. Cuccia will always be remembered for the great woman and mother that she was.

Lisa Sullivan

May 30, 2008

mrs.cuccia,
even though i did not have you as a teacher i still think you were an amazing person. i would see in the halls at woodward always smiling. i pray for your family and i know you will be watching over them.

Alyce and Bllly Greer

May 30, 2008

Debbie has fought her last fight , now she starts her new job, watching over all of her family. You are all in our prayers

Julia Perriello

May 30, 2008

mrs.cuccia was one of the nicest people at woodward, and she will be missed by everyone in the school, my prayers and sympathies go out to her, jillian and her family

Nancy Finn, Nancy

May 30, 2008

Debbie was a lovely person. I met her at the Killington Ski Club and sometimes at the K pool in the summer. She always had a kind word for everyone. I missed seeing her at the ski club. Debbie will be in my prayers. Jillian your mom was special.
I am happy that I was lucky to share some time with Debbie and you.

Mrs. Josephine Stanton

May 30, 2008

Dear Jillian,
If there is anything I can do for you
now or in the coming days please let
me know. Mary and I are so sorry to
hear about your mother. She was a
wonderful and caring person,and we
shall miss her. Please know that you
and your family are in our thoughts
and prayers.
PLEASE COME AND SEE US SOON.

Love,
Mrs.Stanton,Mary and Lady

Jane Connors

May 30, 2008

Jillian,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. I remember you and your mother skiing at Killington.She was very proud of you. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jane, Kevin, Kelley and Luke Connors

Jennifer, Gil, & Irene Lee

May 30, 2008

We met Debbie many years ago at Killington as Jillian and our daughter, Irene, were in ski school together. Debbie was always a friendly, loving, optimistic, and courageous individual. We remember fondly the ski runs we would take together at Killington, the many lunch time chats at the ski club, and even the Easter egg hunt on Snowshed with the girls. In recent years, we have missed spending time together at Killington.

Now, we are saddened to hear of her passing and know that we don’t have the opportunity to ski with her anymore or to say goodbye. But we know she is with us in spirit at Killington and the ski club. We will always remember Debbie.

Jillian, we send our sincere sympathies. We are thinking of you, your family, and your wonderful mom.

Delphine Bosworth

May 30, 2008

OUr deepest sympathies to Jillian and her family. Debbie will be missed greatly by all who knew her. She was so brave in dealing with her illness, she is a true inspiration.
The Bosworth family

Pat McDonald

May 30, 2008

Jillian,

I am so saddened to hear of the loss of your Mom. Debbie was truly an amazing, inspirational and caring woman. I feel blessed to have known such a woman.
Pat McDonald
Tucker School, Milton

Erin Power

May 30, 2008

I knew Deb from the Milton Public Schools and remember Jillian when she was in 5th grade. Deb was an amazing woman: always so positive, kind, compassionate, and full of strength. My thoughts and prayers are with Deb and her family, and of course, her beautiful daughter Jillian.

Deirdre and Jeff Hannon

May 30, 2008

To the Cuccia Family,

We would like you so much for installing the passion of reading with emotion in our daughter. Your mother was truly an amazing teacher who will be missed dearly by our daughter. Thank you for sharing her with us!

Joie Brack

May 30, 2008

mrs.cuccia i love you so much!
you are the best teacher i have ever had! you will always be missed
to mrs.cuccia's family, my thoughts and prayers are with you
i love you mrs.cuccia

Rosemary Broton Boyle

May 30, 2008

May your soul rest in peace Debbie and may your spirit soar here on earth in all the hearts that you have touched so radiantly.

Pattye Ormsby

May 30, 2008

Debbie's cheerful way shown in her engaging smile will be cherished for ever.
We share your loss of Debbie. Know we are thinking of you.
All our love,
Pattye, Gregory,and Geoffrey Ormsby
...and family

Marie and John King

May 30, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Cynthia(Cindy) Jokinen

May 30, 2008

Debbie was very unselfish to have donations sent to the children. My deepest sympathy to all the family. I am a complete stranger , but cared for terminally ill patients when I was a CNA. I have seen what family friends and patients go through. MY deepest sympathy. Cindy Jokinen

Joie Brack

May 30, 2008

mrs.cuccia i love you soo much.
you are the best teacher i have ever had. you helped me through so much and i will always miss you. to mrs.cuccia's family i send my thoughts and prayers to you. she will always be loved and missed

Mariana&Alyssa Verenis&McGrail

May 30, 2008

On the behalf of all the students from Woodward School For Girls I can truly say that Mrs. Cuccia was an inspiration and an amazing teacher and she will be missed dearly.

MARY VERDUN

May 30, 2008

DEAR JILLIAN AND FAMILY,
WE WISH TO EXTEND OUR HEARTFELT CONDOLANCES TO YOU. YOUR MOTHER WAS A WARM,CARING THOUGHTFUL WOMAN. SHE TOUCHED THE LIVES OF OUR FAMILY IN DIFFERENT WAYS. WE KNEW HER THROUGH WOODWARD AND THE USE OF HER CLASSROOM AS A DRESSINGROOM FOR THE SHOWS. SHE ALWAYS WAS GRACIOUS AND KIND, NO MATTER WHAT STATE THE ROOM WAS LEFT IN. HER COURAGEOUS STRUGGLE WAS HIDDEN AS SHE CHOSE TO LIVE HER LIFE FULLY . SHE REACHED OUT TO OTHERS WITHOUT RESERVATION. SHE WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED BY OUR FAMILY.
MARY, JON, CAYLEE VERDUN

Anne Andrews

May 30, 2008

Jillian, Our deepest sympathy to you and your family with your Mom's passing. She was always an inspiration to us on the slopes of Killington. Her kindness and love of life will always be with us. We will miss her. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Anne, Don, Brett & Alex Andrews

The Staff of Doane Beal & Ames Funeral Home Funeral Service Incorporated

May 30, 2008

We wish to extend our deepest sympathies at this difficult time.

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