Debra H. Dessureault

NEW HAVEN — Debra H. Dessureault, 65, passed on to her next adventure peacefully in the arms of her loving family in the early morning of May 31, after a sudden infection resulted in sepsis.

She was born Debra Ann Highter, to Marie (Kaufman) and Robert Highter in Middlebury, Vt., on a cold, 7ºF, March-3rd day in 1960. The couple’s sixth, Deb grew up alongside her four older brothers and sister (Ron, Jer, Ray, Al, Don(na), Deb) on the 250 acres of idyllic family farm at the end of E. Munger St., a dead-end dirt road developed by her paternal grandparents. She attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in Middlebury and excelled at school while holding her sweet demeanor even under the strict tutelage of the sisters.

In her youth she loved playing piano, skiing, and biking to town for tennis or to her grandparents’ camps on Lake Dunmore to waterski. A kind soul, Deb was one to help her grandfather recover his speech from his stroke, talking alone on the rock wall. She had fond memories driving her father’s El Camino and other cars with her brothers on the “field car” racetrack at the farm.

Her father’s sudden passing at age 14 left a hole in her life, filled with her mother’s strength and the unity of her siblings. Deb’s best friend was her mother, Marie, with whom she found joy in crafts and classes at Frog Hollow and helping with her bed and breakfast up until Marie’s passing.

She met Rich Dessureault of Addison in high school and began dating in ’79, marrying in the summer of ’83 at St. Mary’s and honeymooning in The Bahamas. They bought a log cabin on Belden Falls road in New Haven where they built a home and life, moving in ’98 across town to build a new homestead.

Deb attended college in Miami and returned to manage Ski Haus in Middlebury/Winooski until the birth of her son, when she transferred into a part-time position at the Vergennes Post Office to have more time for home learning. She transitioned later to a full-time, 55-mile postal route through farmland and along the shores of Lake Champlain. Deb enjoyed visiting with her customers, maintaining wellness checks on the elderly and receiving mountains of baked goods and gifts every Christmas. A union member early in her career, she became her office’s advisor for employee rights and company policy. She never pursued offers for postmaster, feeling she was better fit for the peace of the road rather than what became the “top heavy” nature of the USPS. She retired in ’22 after 32 years.

She was happiest on the porch around her flowers reading — especially Ken Follett — in the rocking chair and watching wildlife, or swimming in warm turquoise waters under the sun — appropriate, with aquamarine being her birthstone/favorite color. She adored sharing these moments with family, surprising us all with a trip to the Cayman Islands that landed on a January freeze some years ago, one we cherish as perfect. She also had a love of the Florida Keys, the Maine coast every summer, and locally, on a hot day, she’d drop plans and announce, “We’re going to Branbury.”

She eschewed traditional programming, save for Downton Abbey, and she donated to many YouTube creators. Topping her list of recommendations lately would be: ItchyBoots (solo female world motorcyclist), global homesteaders/sailors and many AT/PCT hikers (something she’ll be doing in the next life). Proud of people for being themselves whoever that may be, she was always an early adopter/incredibly well informed, while maintaining lifelong curiosity. She was fascinated with the dream of becoming multi-planetary, and smiled brightly at the simple things — a good sunset, rescuing baby bunnies or helping turtles cross the road.

Cooking large, amazing meals for her family led to her house being the “hangout” for her children’s friends growing up, something she adored, making sure everyone was well fed and left with treats. She was always able to truly laugh and joke at a situation, no matter how dire, up until the end. She’d rise early, while also being the best kind of night owl — 10 p.m., hop in the RHD Jeep and buzz up to Bristol for a pint of ice cream, then talk about life watching a Tragically Hip, Grace Potter, Stones or Billy Stings concert. When returning late you knew she would be reading on the loveseat, cozy with a cat on her lap, truly excited to ask about your day over a cup of tea.

In 2024 she was diagnosed with Lymphoma and Graves’ disease. A true trooper, and against the odds, she managed the Graves and beat the cancer. Always keeping a positive attitude, she befriended all those that helped her in this time.

She is survived by her children, Dylan (Christine, her loving close friend) of Ca/Vt., loving daughter Sierra of Vt.; husband of 42 years, Rich of New Haven; brothers Ron (Mary Anne), Jer (Annapurna), Ray, Al (Madeline); sister Donna Audet (Rene); wonderful aunt Betty Thines, age 107 of Morrilton, Ark.; numerous amazing cousins, nieces, nephews and friends; and cats Boone, Beau and Clay

She is predeceased by her father (’75); mother (’09); beloved cats Sasha, Pumpkin, Sly, Spz, Jag and Tang; as well as Dylan and Christine’s dachshund, Stubz, whom she missed and loved dearly.

Deb and her family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone from Miller 5 at UVMMC, especially the love of Jessica Hansen N.P., and Michele Racine, R.N., our daily ally (and florist). A special thank you to Dr. Andrew Hale I.D. for his steadfast expertise and kindness.

Services will be held at St. Mary’s Church in Middlebury, on Saturday June 21, 10 a.m. with a reception following after. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Addison County Humane Society or paying it forward to the next person in need. She was cool without trying, smart, funny, caring always, and kind by nature. Too sweet for this world, and gone too soon. We will love you always. God bless you Mom. Big Hug. ◊