Photo courtesy of William J. Burke & Sons / Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes
SARATOGA SPRINGS, New York
Sep 8, 1954 – Feb 5, 2023
Ballston Lake, NY - Debra A. Kaelin, 68, passed away on February 5, 2023, at Albany Medical Center due to complications following surgery.
Debra was a lifelong resident of the Capital District, born and raised in Schenectady before moving with her family to Ballston Lake. She had many passions in life and succeeded in so many ways. Confronting the so-called glass ceiling, she broke through and set an example for many young women in her life. This was exhibited by her success as a lawyer in private practice, then as Assistant District Attorney for Saratoga County for 29 years, then as Town Attorney for the Town of Ballston, for a total of more than 35 years in public service. But these professional accomplishments were dwarfed by her love, devotion, and leadership to her family. She married Jeffery Kirby in 1983 and they were blessed with two amazing daughters, Kaelin Kirby of Providence, Rhode Island, and Alexandra Scammell (Bradley Scammell) of Nashville, Tennessee.
Deb’s kindness and love extended beyond her immediate family, through her support for other organizations such as Saratoga Center for the Family, Family Tree Adoption Agency, Dress for Success, Shelters of Saratoga, among others. Deb was truly the leader of her extended family, hosting countless holidays, graduations, celebrations, and even her best friend’s wedding at her Ballston Lake home. Her physical and spiritual strength guided her extended family and community.
In addition to her husband Jeff and daughters, she is survived by her brothers John of Washington, DC and Thomas of New York City, and her sister Janice Kaelin Kee of Delmar.
Relatives and friends may call from 4-7pm, Thursday, February 9. 2023 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518-584-5373).
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am, Friday, February 10 at the Historic Church of St. Peter, 241 Broadway.
Burial will follow at St. John the Baptist Cemetery, 113 N Brandywine Ave, Schenectady, NY.
In lieu of flowers, Deb’s family requests that donations be sent to Saratoga Center for the Family, Dress for Success, or Shelters of Saratoga.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com
Read MoreDebra was a personal and fair attornery. I had done some real estate business with her years back. She was always a welcoming and confident attorney, I liked her personality. So sad she had to leave this world in the hospital.
Lauri Morrissey
February 09, 2025 | Rexford, NY | Friend
I Just heard of Deb´s passing. She was brilliant. For some reason I recollect her clearly speaking to me about trees. She certainly has had a great life. Good memories from the old neighborhood,
Larry Robinson
September 04, 2024 | Friend
Debbie at a picnic 1976
Cindy Doklan
August 10, 2023 | Tucson, AZ | Friend
Busted! It's not their birthday cake.
Cindy Doklan
August 10, 2023 | Tucson, AZ | Friend
back row L to R Carolyn Curtis, Becky Dalton (Navoy) Debbie Kaelin (Kirby) Karen Smith (Skutnik) Cindy Doklan (Peirson)
seated Andrea Wittig (Heffan) Jane Podell (Brandmeier) Ellen Murphy
Cindy Doklan
August 10, 2023 | Tucson, AZ | Friend
top L to R: Becky Navoy, Debbie Kaelin, Karen Skutnik, Andrea Heffan, Cindy Peirson, Ellen Murphy, Gail Smith
bottom Carolyn Curtis, Janie Brandmeier.
Cindy Doklan
August 10, 2023 | Tucson, AZ | Friend
Yet another here from Rider college. Did you mom ever tell you we called her chicken? We had such wonderful times, a time of self discovery and growth. Will post a few photos in a couple days...non digital era, so will take some scanning. Hope they make you smile a little. The memory of those days and of our chicken is a blessing for all of us.
Cindy Doklan (nee Peirson(
August 02, 2023 | Tucson, AZ | Friend
Single Memorial Tree
Elaine Miller
February 19, 2023 | Mechanicville, NY
Kaelin and Alex,
Thinking of you and your father at this difficult time. Your mother was a beautiful person and loved you both very much! What a legacy she left behind, with all she did in her professional life but more importantly the legacy she left with the two of you! You are incredible young woman who are surely making a difference in this world everyday!
With sympathy,
Lori Beer
Lori Beer
February 12, 2023 | Wilton, NY | Friend
