Debbie Lackey

Debbie J. Lackey

1957 - 2014 WHITE CREEK, NY On Aug. 22, 2014, surrounded by her husband and children in the comfort of her own home on Lincoln Hill, and on her own terms, Debbie J. Lackey passed away. Debbie was 56 years old. Born in Glens Fall, N.Y. on Dec. 1, 1957, Debbie was the daughter of Howard and Sarah Palmatier (Vosburgh). Growing up, Debbie and her six brothers and sisters enjoyed spending time together, especially their summers at their Aunt Josie's farm. From an early age Debbie was able to make friends wherever she went. Her easy going personality, her kindness and ability to see the positive in any person and sitation made her someone everyone just wanted to be around. Debbie attended Mount Anthony Union High School. After high school she went on to work at ChemFab for many years. At the time of her death was employed at St. Gobain in Hoosick Falls. Debbie met Bruce Lackey in the late 1970's. The two were married on Dec. 29, 1978 in their home on Lincoln Hill in White Creek, N.Y. Over the next 35 years Bruce and Debbie made a loving home for their children, Korey and Ben. In their children's early years all the neighborhood kids wanted to come and play at the Lackey house, and as Korey and Ben grew, so did the realm of friends who sought safety, reassurance and simply just fun from Debbie and Bruce. Family and friends came to know they could depend on Debbie. She was always there for them, never passing judgment, simply just listening, supporting, and helping them find ways to move forward. Debbie knew life wasn't always easy, but she certainly made life easier for those around her. Debbie enjoyed many things, from her vegtable garden, to campfires, to her yearly outing being the first person in line with Korey on Black Friday. Debbie's greatest joy in life was time spent with her family being a wife, mother and grandmother. She rarely missed her children's little league games, field hockey games or wrestling matches. She enjoyed taking her children on family vacations while they were growing up. This July, Bruce, Debbie, Korey and Ben traveled together to Florida. It gave Debbie great joy to take this final trip together. Debbie enjoyed taking her grandchildren fruit picking, making cookies, and simply spoiling them to pieces. Debbie is survived by Bruce, her husband of 35 years, her children, Korey (Chris) Arnold and Ben (Gretchen Johnson) Lackey, her pride and joys, who affectionately called her Nonni, granddaughters Kennedy and Allie Arnold and Brynn and Emma Lackey. She is also survived by step-daughters, Amy Putnam, Erin Beaudoin, Adrienne Sherwood and step-grandchildren Ryan and Alyssa Putnam, Gracie and Mia Sherwood and great-grandson Brayden Paysour. Debbie is also survived by her siblings, sisters; Linda (Art) Devlin, Sandy (Carl) Sherman, best friend and sister, Ida Charpentier, and brothers; Howard Palmatier, Guy Vosburgh and RJ (Mindy) Vosburgh. Her mother-in-law, Betty Lackey, in-laws Jane (Bob) Corriveau and Nancy (Pat) Mason also survive. Debbie is also survived by many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. Her loyal 4-legged companion Oliver will miss Debbie. Debbie was predeceased by her parents, and her brother-in-law Phillip (Sharpie) Charpentier. And surely the first person waiting in heaven for Debbie's arrival is her son Shad Lackey. FUNERAL NOTICE: Funeral services will be held at MAHAR SON FUNERAL HOME in Bennington, on Tuesday Aug. 26, 2014 at 1 p.m. Calling hours will precede the funeral on Tuesday from 11 a.m. until the time of the service. As Debbie requested after the funeral a celebration, or a party as she would say, will be held at the VFW in Bennington. The family invites all to attend and raise a glass to a life well lived. Debbie and Bruce always believed in paying it forward, so in lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the Karen McGovern Fund in Hoosick Falls, through the office of the Mahar & Son Funeral Home. 628 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201, to help other families in their community in their time of need. The family wishes to thank Dr. Ives and the Cancer Center for the care and compassion they showed Debbie and her family over the last 8 months. They also would like to thank Dr. Martinez for ensuring Debbie's wish to be able to spend her final days in comfort surrounded by her family and friends at home. Debbie will be remembered by all for her ability to find the positive in every person and every situation. Even while fighting cancer, Debbie never questioned why, instead she led everyone with her strength and courage. Each and every person who knew Debbie knew they were lucky and we are better people because of her kindess. Debbie's message to those who knew and loved her would be not to cry and mourn that she is gone, instead look to our hearts, because that is where she will always be. Guest book condolences may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net