Obituary: Deborah Anne Fraser Spooner

March 8, 1930 – October 29, 2023

Deborah Anne Fraser Spooner passed away at age 93. Deborah was born in Peabody, Massachusetts, to Harold E. Fraser and Mable H. Fraser. She was raised in Danvers, Massachusetts, until leaving to attend college in Vermont, where she met and married her husband Walton Drew Spooner. They resided in Barre until 1954 when her parents purchased the Jubilee Farm in Duxbury beside the Winooski River. Deb remained at the farm until a fall confined her to a rehabilitation facility.

The majority of Deborah’s professional life was as an administrator for the State of Vermont at the Waterbury facility. She retired from the state in 1990. She, Walter, and her parents liked to travel and explore new areas, and their home was full of National Geographic and travel books. After her retirement, Deborah owned several recreational vehicles and traveled to a number of jamborees, as well as Niagara Falls and the Grand Canyon. When not traveling, she had a rural paper route, delivered Meals-on-Wheels, and traveled to Boston to take seniors to their medical appointments.

She was active in the Waterbury Area Senior Center, and was a member of the Red Hats (often driving them in the 4th of July parade in a pickup). She was an honorary lifetime member of the Eastern Star, a member of three Eastern Star chapters: Queen Esther #7 of Waterbury, Charity #57 of Williamstown, Coral #16 of Morrisville. She served as a Grand Matron on several occasions and traveled to national conventions. She was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church in Waterbury.

One of her favorite things was looking out the picture window across the road and meadow to wave at the Amtrak Montrealer, which would hoot a “howdy-do,” particularly if there was a light in the window. Debby had a wonderful sense of humor.

Deborah was predeceased by her parents and husband, and her cat, Miss Kitty.

She is survived by her beloved friends, neighbors and “adoptive family”: Leo and Donna Constant, their children Molly and Max, and granddaughter Arya. Also, by her cousins Thomas W. and Peter B. Knowlton, of Beverly, Massachusetts.

A celebration of the life of Deborah A. Spooner will be held at St. Leo's Parish Hall, 109 South Main St., Waterbury, on Friday, Nov. 10, at 11 a.m. For those who wish, memorial gifts would be appreciated to the Wesley United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 214, Waterbury, VT 05676.  To send online condolences please visit perkinsparker.com.