Deborah Brooks

1952 - 2021

Deborah Brooks

Derby , VT — Deborah E. Brooks, 69, of Derby, VT, passed away peacefully on Oct 15, 2021 surrounded by her loving family and friends after a hard fought battle with cancer.

Debbie was born to Helen E. Simpson on July 22, 1952, in Newburyport, MA. After growing up in Massachusetts and graduating from Wellesley High School, Debbie went on to attend the University of Massachusetts graduating with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She later attended Lesley College, earning a Master's Degree.

Debbie was a devoted wife to Peter C. Brooks for 44 years. Debbie and Peter lived together in Amherst, MA, before moving to Derby, VT in 2010. Together, they raised two sons, Matthew James and Shawn Michael Brooks.

Debbie was a dedicated teacher to the students of Westhampton Elementary School for 35 years. She was honored with the Grinspoon Excellence in Teaching Award before retiring in 2009. After retirement, Debbie enjoyed spending winters with Peter at the ocean in South Carolina. Debbie cherished every moment spent with her family and friends.

Debbie is survived by Matthew Brooks, son; Shawn Brooks and partner Molly Wickline; sister, Sandy and brother-in-law Tom McRae, their children Samantha Page and husband Zak, Coutney Pucel and husband Nick; brother-in-law James Dinopoulos and his daughters Cassandra and Alexandra Dinopoulos; sister-in-law Cindy Brooks, their sons Christopher, Allen, and JT Brooks; niece Heather and husband Tom Sessoms; close friend and mentor Pat Miller; close friends Corinne Kolasienski, Mary Lou March, and Nancy Curtiss.

Debbie is predeceased by her brother-in-law James V. Brooks.

At the request of the family there will be no calling hours or funeral service. In lieu of flowers, donations in Debbie's name can be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Donations can be sent to: 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis Tenn., 38105, or can be made online at www.stjude.org/donation.