Deborah Cronin

1963 - 2025

Deborah Cronin
Deborah Jeanne Cronin, age 62, beloved sister, co-worker, neighbor, and friend, died November 5, 2025, at Danbury Hospital after a brief illness. She was born in Torrington, CT on January 22, 1963, to the late Elizabeth (Amrich) Kaczmarcyk and Edward Kaczmarcyk, Sr. Deborah graduated from Torrington High School and received a bachelor's degree in social work from the College of New Rochelle.
Deborah worked as a social worker for almost 40 years at the Devereux Glenholme School, a therapeutic boarding school in Washington, CT, where she dedicated her life to helping countless children and their families. Calm, conscientious, kind and caring, Deborah had a personality that was well-suited to her position. She looked for the positive in every situation, and she had the special gift of being able to accept each person exactly as they were, while at the same time helping them to become the person they were capable of becoming and wanted to be. She was a loyal and conscientious colleague - always ready to lend a hand, to stay late at work, or to go in on a weekend if she was needed. An attentive and compassionate listener, Deborah was a mentor and sounding board for many staff members throughout her time at the Glenholme School, and was always ready with a word of encouragement or reassurance to anyone in need.
Deborah had an excellent memory and was a keen observer who noticed immediately if you had a different hairstyle or new piece of jewelry. She had a dry and mischievous wit, a wonderful smile and laugh, and was both detail oriented and an excellent problem solver. Deborah spent many happy times with her family, celebrating birthdays and holidays, often bringing her delicious homemade chocolate cream cheese cupcakes for all to enjoy. She also was an extremely thoughtful and generous gift-giver, delighting in picking out the perfect gift for everybody.
Deborah loved Washington and never strayed far from her home there. She took pride in supporting local businesses and charities, and she looked forward to the summer farmer's market, as well as to various fairs and festivals held throughout the year. She also appreciated the natural beauty of the area and the lovely arts and crafts produced by local artisans. Deborah was happy to volunteer at special work events and as a board member at the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington, where she developed a deep interest in Native American arts, crafts, and culture, and participated in many events.
Deborah always avoided the spotlight, but she made a lasting impact on the people she came into contact with. She will be greatly missed by them and especially by her seven siblings and their spouses: Edward Kaczmarcyk, Jr., Elizabeth Kaczmarcyk and Peter Avenia, Karen Kaczmarcyk and Alex Poletsky, Janet Buckley, Thomas Alexander, Diane Kaczmarcyk, and Jennifer and Michael Parsons. She was predeceased by her parents and by her sister, Claire Kaczmarcyk. Several aunts and cousins also survive Deborah.
There will be no public service at this time. The family will plan a celebration of Deborah's life sometime in the future.
Memorial donations in Deborah's memory can be made to the Devereux Glenholme School, 81 Sabbaday Lane, Washington, CT 06793, to The Institute for American Indian Studies, 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT 06793, or to a charity of your choice.