Obituary of Debra J Corby

Debra J. Corby, a woman filled with compassion, kindness, and love passed away on Wednesday night, November 21, 2018.  She was 61 years old.  Debra was born in Woburn. She was the daughter of Jacqueline (Chambers) and Peter L. Carter, Sr.  She grew up and was educated in Burlington.  She was a graduate of Burlington High School, Class of 1975.  She married at age 20 and was a mother at age 21.  For decades Debbie ran a daycare in her home, where she developed a caring family atmosphere maintaining relationships with children and their families well into their adulthood. “Auntie Deb” was a trusted confidant and advisor to many people of all ages. When her sons were old enough, she switched careers from working with children to working with seniors as the Activity Director at the Aberjona Nursing Home. Her infectious positivity and warmth brought joy and comfort to the residents and their families.  As her health began to decline and she could no longer keep a full time schedule, she began helping at her grandchildren’s elementary school as crossing guard and lunch monitor.  A life devoted to the care and service of others, Debra’s warmth, concern, empathy, and love always brightened the lives of not only those in her immediate care, but their families as well. Her family was her life, her devotion unparalleled.  She was the mother who was always there for her sons.  She loved them unconditionally, cared for them when they were sick, scraped and bruised, and supported them in all their life’s decisions. As a daughter she had a great commitment to her parents.  She was there when the “Golden Years” were more of a challenge and made sure they could remain in the comfort of their own home.  How many people can say that she was “Best Friends” with their Ex-husband, like Debra?  She was always worried about others, and never wanted anyone else to feel sadness or anxiety. For Debra, her comfort and happiness always came a distant second to that of those she loved. She loved hosting and entertaining, especially for the Holidays and the annual Halloween Parade. Upon arrival, she would emphatically apologize to the guests for “not making much this year”, only to present enough food to feed a small army.  She was a wonderful cook and never met anything that she couldn’t improve by sticking in the deep fryer.  She was a fun and caring grandmother to her 4 grandchildren.  She went to their soccer games, cared for them as their parents worked, and her greatest joy in life came from playing with and entertaining them.  She looked forward each year to the Topsfield Fair and sitting in the audience of the “Price is Right” live show’s annual tour.  She also enjoyed going to Bingo and testing her luck at Foxwoods with her friends.  She was just as happy in her beloved home of 24 years in Woburn reading, crocheting, and working on jigsaw puzzles.  The last few years of her life had been filled with health issues and all those she loved gathered to assist and care for her in her time of need, just as she would have done for them.

Debra was the beloved mother of Luke & his wife Jennifer of Arlington, Adam & his fiancé Katherine Cataldo of Woburn.  She was the former wife and best friend of Peter Corby of Wilmington.  She was the proud grandmother of April, Miyah, Mason & Brianna Corby. She was the sister of Walter Carter & his wife Dorothy of FL, Bobby Garside of AZ & the late Peter Carter.     

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128/95 Woburn side) on Monday, November 26 from 4-8 p.m.  Funeral Services will be held at the Funeral Home on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m.  Relatives & friends respectfully invited to attend.    For directions, obituary & online guestbook see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net