Debra Dee (Douglas) Straight

Debra Dee (Douglas) Straight passed away peacefully on February 8, 2026, in her family home in Pepperell, MA, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born in Plattsburgh, NY, on July 16, 1957, the daughter of Thomas and Ava (Tuttle) Douglas.

Debbie lived a life full of dedication and service. She built a respected career working for Manning’s Law firm in Au Sable Forks, and she served alongside attorneys Kevin Ryan and Kevin Peryer in Plattsburgh, as well as Barry Silverstein in Lake Placid. Later Debbie lent her commitment and professionalism to the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Ray Brook and in Florence, Colorado.

Debbie’s leadership extended far beyond her professional work. While living in Naples, Florida, Debbie served as president of her neighborhood homeowners association, where she was known for her fairness, organization, and ability to bring people together.

More than anything, Debbie’s heart defined her. She was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and sister who cherished her family deeply. Her home was always open — filled with warmth, laughter, and unconditional love. Whether welcoming neighbors, friends, or anyone in need of comfort, Debbie created a space where all felt valued and cared for.

Debbie is predeceased by her father and mother, Thomas and Ava Douglas; her mother and father-in-law, Freda and Robert Straight; her brother, Timothy; brother-in-law, Bill Straight; sister-in-law, Nancy McLean; uncle, Edward Tuttle; aunt, Norma Anderson; and cousins, Jeff and Marla Brown.

Left behind to cherish her memory are her husband, Robert Straight; son and daughter-in-law, Nathan and Michel’lee (Gordon) Straight; grandchildren, LJ Gordon and Meilani Straight; brothers, Kevin (Caroline) Douglas and Randy (Peggy) Douglas; sister-in-law, Lynda Straight; aunts and uncles, Joan (Orville) Brown and Bobby (Patricia) Douglas; nieces and nephews, Billy (Lindsay) Straight, Jason (Emily) Straight, Amanda (Charlie) Frazier, Stephanie (Charlie) Gamble, Stacy Changelo, Carrie (Dan) Flagg, Michael (Lindsey) Douglas, Savannah (Thomas) Therrien, and Shane (Courtney Lopez) Douglas; like a daughter, Marina Aliende Juliao Furlan, and several beloved cousins.

Debbie leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and the deep, steady love she showed to everyone fortunate enough to know her. Debbie faced the cruelty of ALS with remarkable courage, refusing to let the disease steal her joy, and she fought with all her might to spend as much time as she could with her loving family.

A celebration of Debbie’s life will be scheduled at a later date. Information will be posted on her CaringBridge site. Donations in her memory can be made to Compassionate Care ALS, PO Box 1052, West Falmouth, MA 02574 (www.ccals.org).

Debbie will be profoundly missed by her family, friends — including her lifelong “Tribe” — and all whose lives she touched.

Arrangements are entrusted to the McGaffigan Family.