Deborah Ellen Rochette Ide

October 25, 1953 – February 19, 2026

Deborah Ellen Rochette Ide, lovingly known as Deb, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026, in Mount Juliet, Tennessee. She was born on October 25, 1953, in Middletown, Connecticut, to Dorothy (Brainard) and Irving Rochette, both of whom preceded her in death. She recently celebrated her 50th wedding anniversary with her beloved husband, Andrew Ide—a milestone that reflected a lifetime of devotion, partnership, and enduring love.

Deborah is survived by her husband and her beloved children: Michelle (Ed), Jared (Kirsi), Ethan (Emily), and Jordan. Her greatest joy in life was being a mother. That role defined her heart, her energy, and her purpose. She also carried in her heart the memory of her daughter, Carol Catherine, who preceded her in death.

Deborah was a proud and loving grandmother to Alexis, Logan, Xiana, Celeste, Preslie, Amara, James, Miriam, Jude, and Wyatt. Her grandchildren were a source of immeasurable happiness, and she cherished every moment spent with them.

She is survived by her sister, Dawn Rochette O’Dell; her aunt, Necia Stevens; and by her nieces Kristen (O’Dell) Arseneau and Kelsey (O’Dell) Cole, nephew Brian O’Dell and their families. She was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Jerry O’Dell. She loved her family and never forgot a birthday.

Deborah attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where she earned a degree in fine arts. A creative and thoughtful spirit, she also developed her skills in landscape architecture and expressed her artistic eye in the beauty she cultivated around her. In the 1990s, she worked as a language training teacher at the Forman School in Litchfield, Connecticut, where she impacted the lives of her students.

Animals were among Deborah’s greatest joys. She had a tender heart for any creature that was hurt, abandoned, or in need of care. Over the years, she lovingly cared for many horses and cats, each one holding a special place in her heart. She is survived by her cherished horse, Mannana Tara, and her cats Nate, Ben, and Cinnamon. She was preceded in death by her beloved horses Missy, Boy Blue, Easter Princess, Dark Whisper, Broadwall Moonstone, and Blue’s Traveler, as well as her cats Tuffy, Ginger, Zorro, Puffy, Nosey, Carrie, Blazer and Sirius. In her own words, “Some cats belonged to my children, but I am grateful for them all.” That gratitude reflected her generous and nurturing spirit.

A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Deborah found deep purpose and joy in her service. She loved her long friendships with members of the Goshen Ward. She accepted many callings throughout her life, including serving as Relief Society President for seven years. Her faith was steady and sincere, and she lived it through quiet acts of kindness, compassion, and dedication. After moving to Tennessee with Andrew in 2016, she fulfilled a lifelong dream of owning a horse farm. There, she found peace, purpose, and beauty in the life she had always imagined. She also loved attending and serving in the temple alongside her husband, finding strength and joy in their shared devotion.

Deborah will be remembered for her artistic soul, her unwavering love for her family, her compassion for animals, and her deep faith in God. She leaves behind a legacy of service, creativity, and enduring love.

She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Services for Deborah will occur in Connecticut this summer, more information to follow.

Those wishing to honor her memory may make a donation to Forever Morgans (https://forevermorgans.org/) or The Little Guild (https://www.littleguild.org/)

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