Mrs. Evans will always have a place in my memories and my heart. I'll miss her.

Thirty years is a long time. We swam with our daughters and were Mermaid Sisters in the Essex Green pool. We logged countless car pool hours to and from ballet classes, rehearsals, and performances. We had the best time giggling and sharing many stories along the way. Debbie loved the saying, “Come sit by me.” It’s a reference from one of her favorite films, Steel Magnolias.

Family and friendships were first and foremost to Debbie. She took tremendous pride in her four children and nurtured their love for learning and achievement. Her Christmas Eve parties were legendary among the neighbors and steady stream of friends. She was generous and readily shared her home and bounty with all who came from near and far! She and Ed had a charming way of making everyone feel comfortable and welcome.

Debbie hit the streets, worked hard to get elected, and was proud of her service in the Vermont State House. She loved serving as a library trustee and participated in many book clubs and library functions too. In all that she did, she did it with grace, dignity, beauty, genuine laughter, and style. After all, “the only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize.”

Our treasured memories of Debbie and her family fill our hearts. We are grateful for the many years we spent sharing our lives, our celebrations, and our time together. Love, joy, and powerful beams of light to you Mermaid Sister on your next journey.

Patricia, Jack, and Anna Joy Dodge

Dear Ed and family,

I am very sorry for your loss. Debbie was a wonderful woman. RIP, Debbie.

Debbie was truly one of the best. I was always so impress how devoted she was to her kids, and Ed, and would sacrifice anything and everything for them. Her friends got the same treatment. She was kind, honest with her feelings and opinions, and there was never any question when she disagreed with you. You could always count on her to listen, give you sound advice, and then tell you how much of a fool you were being. To me she was a big sister that I loved and respected. She got me through some tough times with my own family, allowing me to be a part of hers. For that I will always love and remember her. To Ed, Paul, Andrew, Don and Paige, I wish you a lifetime of happy and peaceful memories. I wish I could have had one more cup of coffee with Debbie in her kitchen so she could tell me just one more time what a fool I have been..

Deborah (or Debbie as we knew her growing up in West Newton) was one of the most fun loving, caring people that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. A friend to all who ever met her, she was always a joy to be around. My deepest condolences to Ed and the entire family. We have lost a great one!!

Prom

I'd walk our dog past Debbie's house, stop to chat, which turned into a party at the Evans's on many an occasion...Debbie and Ed's kitchen always had something going on...one of my favorite people of all time!!