Debra J. (Jefferson) Ellingwood, 72, a longtime resident of Framingham died Wednesday, September 27, 2023, after a short battle with Parkinson’s Disease, with her family by her side. Born in Providence, RI, she was the daughter of the late Albert Jefferson and Ruth W. Bloch, and the beloved wife of William M. Ellingwood.
Deb grew up in Providence, later Framingham, and was a graduate of Newton North High School. A natural athlete she excelled in gymnastics, and was a cheer leader at the high school. She Married Bill who she met in High school in 1972 and they settled in Framingham. She spent the next years raising their son Josh, before going to work as an office manager in the family business.
Always kind and thoughtful, Deb was the life of the party. She loved to dance, dressed exquisitely, and was a great cook. Her happy place was on the beach in Aruba, so much so that she became known as “Aruba Deb”
Besides her husband of over 50 years, Bill, Deb is survived by her son, Joshua and his wife Kerri of Framingham, her grandchildren, Hannah, Chase and Shane, her siblings, Richard & his wife Diana, Charlotte, Emily & her husband Peter, Larry, Susan, and Catherine, and many nieces and nephews.
Deb was predeceased by her parents, her step father, Richard Bloch, and her brother in law, Daryl.
Family and friends will honor and remember Deb’s life by gathering for visiting hours in the McCarthy, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home, 11 Lincoln St. Framingham on Tuesday, October 3rd from 4-8pm. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday morning in St. George Church, 74 School St. Saxonville, at 10 o’clock. Interment will follow in Newton Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in Debra’s name to: the Parkinson’s Foundation, www.parkinson.org
To share memory with Deb’s family, kindly visit www.mccarthyfh.com
Chesmore Funeral Home