DEBORAH CHURCHILL WING

LEICESTER — Deborah Churchill Wing, 73, of Lake Dunmore, passed away peacefully on Jan. 31, 2025, surrounded by family. Debbie was born on June 19, 1951, in Proctor, Vt., to Mary Jane Churchill Wing and Howard W. Wing.

She spent her childhood summers on her grandparents’ farm in Brandon, where she found joy working with animals and alongside her favorite uncle, George Churchill, who could fix anything.

Debbie earned a B.S. in English Literature from Windham College in Putney, Vt., in 1973. She began her career at Matthew Thornton Health Plan in Nashua, N.H.

A passionate skier, Debbie volunteered as an instructor for the Junior Program at Pico before becoming a ski instructor at Pico and Killington, a role she embraced for 11 years. When not on the slopes, she could be found in her garden, exploring Vermont’s landscapes with her naturalist group, enjoying game nights with friends, savoring the latest summer cocktail, or dancing to an excellent tune.

Debbie is remembered for her wicked sense of humor, exuberance, curiosity, and unending thirst for knowledge. A proud feminist, she was a passionate advocate for progressive causes and community organizations. She cared deeply for her community and was known for her fierce loyalty, incredible generosity, and adventurous spirit. She never turned down an opportunity for an excursion or a new project that would beautify her world.

Debbie lived a full life, but she would tell you that her most cherished memories were the times spent with her children, family, and friends at Lake Dunmore, where generations of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends grew up together.

Debbie is survived by her children, Sarah Jane Pritchard and her husband, C. Austin, of Lake Dunmore, Vt.; and Caleb Voigt and his wife, Jennifer, of Frisco, Texas; and her beloved grandchildren, Tanner and Charlotte Voigt. She is also survived by her sisters, Melissa H.W. Gibbud and Heather L.W. Bierschenk, as well as nieces, nephews, and many dear friends who adored her — along with her little dog, too.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lake Dunmore Fern Lake Association (P.O. Box 14, Salisbury, VT 05769) or The Vermont Foodbank (33 Parker Road, Barre, VT 05641).

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.◊