Deborah J. McDermott, 53
LEE, Mass. — Deborah Jocelyn McDermott died at Kindred Laurel Lake in Lee on August 18, 2016, after a long battle with brain cancer. Deb's loving family and friends were by her side during her last moments. She died at the age of 53.
Debbie was born on Jan. 18, 1963, in Pittsfield, Mass., to her parents Court and Sue McDermott. Deb grew up in Lenox, Mass., where she lived most of her life. At the age of 20 she began working at Country Curtains, where she remained for the following 28 years as head of the shipping department. Deb left her mark on Country Curtains and impacted many lives during her time there. In 2010, Deb left Country Curtains to open a daycare at her home in Lenox. The daycare was successful. As a dedicated mother, Deb's instinctual ability to nurture and teach made working with children a perfect fit.
Deb was a hard-working, independent woman with a passion for skiing, canoeing and anything physical. Exercise was one of the most important things to Deb. It kept her strong and motivated throughout her life. Debbie spent most of her childhood skiing at Bousquet, where her father Court was the ski school director. Later in life she spent a lot of time skiing at Loon Mountain in New Hampshire, where her mother worked.
Deb was a genuine and honest person who always kept good company. Her close friends stood by her side through thick and thin. She was very loved by everyone in the community, but especially her friends and family. Deb was impossible to keep up with on the slopes, in a canoe, and in life in general. She didn't stop moving for a moment. There were few adversities in life Deb could not overcome.
Debbie is survived by her mother, Sue McDermott; her brother and sister-in-law, Steve and Nina McDermott; her niece Abigail McDermott; her son Trevor Burnham; her daughter Samantha Burnham; her daughter Paige DiGrigoli; and her son Brady DiGrigoli.
Funeral notice: Calling hours for Deborah J. McDermott, who died August 18, 2016, will be held Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2016 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Dery Funeral Home in Pittsfield.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Bousquet on Friday, Aug. 26, 2016, at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Moments House, in care of the funeral home, 54 Bradford Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201 or to Moments House, 34 Depot St Suite 301 Pittsfield, MA.