Debera VanHouten Barnes

1939 - 2025

Debera Van Houten Barnes
June 1, 1939 - October 18, 2025
Debera Barnes, of Old Saybrook, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2025, at the age of 86. Born in Orange, New Jersey, she was the daughter of the late Jane Estep Van Houten and Raymond Burgess Van Houten.
A graduate of Darien High School and Stephens College, Debera married George Van Vleck Barnes. They lived in Wayne, Pennsylvania, and later Stamford, following George's passing in 1992, Debera moved to Essex and later Old Saybrook.
Debera was passionate about gardening, art, and community. She volunteered at the Bartlett Arboretum, served as President of the Essex Garden Club, was a longtime docent at the Florence Griswold Museum, and supported both the Essex and Acton libraries.
She is survived by her children, Keith (Lucy) of Centerbrook, Dana of Stamford, and David (Karen) of Seattle; grandsons, Ethan, Coleman, and Benjamin; sister, Katrine Van Houten (Takaseda Matsutani) of Paris; and several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Essex Library, Acton Library, or Florence Griswold Museum. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
For the full obituary, please visit gallagherfuneralhome.com . Arrangements were held by Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home, located at 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902. For any further questions please call (203)-359-9999.