Debra (or as she preferred, Debi) Ina Clara Traverse, died on October 29, 2023, a week before her 67th birthday. She passed away peacefully in her home in Vero Beach, Florida following a bout of illness.

Debi was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada to Kenneth Traverse and Eulah Traverse (nee Crummey) on November 8, 1956. Although Debi was born in St. John’s, it is in Heart’s Content where she spent her childhood, alongside her younger siblings Suzanne and Timothy. When Debi was eight years old, the family moved to New York City, then Staten Island, before eventually settling in New Jersey where the family welcomed their fourth and last child, Heather.

Debi graduated from Sayreville War Memorial Highschool in Sayreville, New Jersey. Following high school, Debi joined the corporate world when she found a position at Hercules, Inc., a chemical company in Parlin, New Jersey. She continued to work and live in New Jersey for many years, but never forgot her Newfy heritage.

Debi found her true calling later in life when she began studying massage. One of Debi’s proudest moments was when she graduated in 2011 from Dawn Career Institute at the top of her class, earning her an Academic Achievement Award. After her studies, she began what would become an illustrious career as a massage therapist. Debi never stopped learning and improving in her craft, and her dedication and skill would earn her many friends and loyal clients over the course of her lifetime.

Eventually, Debi found her way back to the ocean when she moved with her mother to Vero Beach, Florida. As soon as Debi reached Vero Beach, she knew she had found her home. Debi spent the next decade becoming an integral member of the Vero Beach community. She dedicated herself to volunteering at Vero Beach Friday Nights, Riverside Theatre, and every other opportunity that came her way. Vero was Debi’s home; it was her happy place. And she will be remembered fondly by the many people whose lives she touched with her kindness and open heart.

Debi was a lover of the ocean, animals, and rock and roll. She had an inimitable capacity to make friends in any circumstance, and an ability to see the good in everyone. She will be remembered for her gracious generosity and uplifting spirit.

Debi is survived by her mother, Eulah Traverse; her sisters Suzanne Reno and Heather (Ken) Patricco; her brother Timothy Traverse; her stepsons Tim (Michelle) Figueroa and Adam (Misha) Figueroa, and grandchild Liam Figueroa; and nieces and nephew Jessica Walsh, Megan Reno, Abigail Reno, Emma Patricco, Daniel Patricco and Shelby Patricco.

She was predeceased by her father, Kenneth Levi Traverse.

A memorial service will be held in Debi's honor on November 24, 2023 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET at the clubhouse of the Poinciana neighborhood of Village Green in Vero Beach, Florida. A second service will be held near the family’s homes at a later date. 

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