Deborah Carlson

DUDLEY – Deborah L. (Durkee) Carlson, 71, formerly of Dudley, died Saturday, August 31, 2024, at her daughter’s home in Webster. She resided in Hebron, NH, with her significant other Gene Chauvin for the past five years.

She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer L. Smith and her life partner Kevin Dow of Webster; two sisters, Robin Michael and her husband Steve of Indiana, and Pamela Denardis and her partner Dennis of Woodstock, CT; her brother, Roger W. Durkee Jr. of Woodstock, CT; two grandchildren, Devin Smith and her life partner Joel Presa of Dudley, and Dylan Smith of Webster; three great-grandchildren, Mila, Emery, and Penelope; a step granddaughter, Ashley Dow of West Boylston; four step great-grandchildren, Ace, Jordan, Autumn, and Skylynn; and numerous nieces and nephews, who she was very close with. She was predeceased by a sister, Donna G. Reidy who died in 2023; a granddaughter, Rosalie; and her rescue dog, Buddy.

She was born in Southbridge, daughter of the late Roger W. and Mary P. (Ryder) Durkee, Sr. She was raised in Dudley before marrying and settling in the South for 20 years. She later returned to New England, living in Massachusetts and New Hampshire for the rest of her life.

Ms. Carlson was a certified nurse’s aide and was proud to work in the healthcare industry throughout her life. She loved quilting, crocheting, spending time at the beach, and living in her cabin Thornton, NH.

Memorial calling hours are Sunday, September 15, 2024, from 1-3 p.m. at Paradis-Givner Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford. A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. at the conclusion of calling hours. Burial will be private at a later date at Union Cemetery in Union, CT.