Community Mourns the Passing of Debra Pelletier at 66

Debra Ann Pelletier, aged 66, passed away peacefully at her home in Aptos, California, on November 19, 2025. Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of Joseph Raymond Pelletier and Lorraine (Langlois) Pelletier. Debra’s life was marked by her commitment to education and her passion for the outdoors.

She graduated from Notre Dame Academy in 1976 before pursuing higher education. Debra spent her summers working as a seasonal firefighter and forester for both the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management across Nevada, Idaho, and California. She completed her Master’s Degree in speech-language pathology at Chico State University in 1990, laying the groundwork for a fulfilling career in special education.

Debra dedicated over 30 years to working with special needs students, retiring after a long and impactful career. She was known for her deep commitment to her students and the joy she found in fostering their development.

In her personal life, Debra cherished running along the beach near her home in Aptos, traveling to tropical islands, and spending summers at her family home on Long Lake in Maine. Her love for nature and the outdoors was evident, as was her dedication to family and friends.

Legacy and Family

Debra is survived by her parents, Raymond and Lorraine Pelletier; her brother, Raymond Pelletier, and sister-in-law, Michelle (Gath) Pelletier, both of Pelham, New Hampshire; as well as her nephews, Michael Pelletier and his partner Paige McNeill, Hunter Pelletier and his wife Ashley (Ramalho) Pelletier, Ben Pelletier and his partner Jamie Harrington, and niece Nicole Pelletier. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Suzanne (Pelletier), and husband Tom Roy, along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, including her dear friends Tom and Regina Smith.

Debra was preceded in death by her brother, Paul Pelletier, who passed away in 2010.

A private service will be held by family members at a later date. The family expressed their gratitude to the staff of Hospice of Santa Cruz for their dedicated and compassionate care during Debra’s final days. In her memory, donations can be made to Hospice of Santa Cruz, located at 940 Disk Drive, Scotts Valley, California, 95066.

Debra Pelletier’s legacy will be remembered by all who knew her for her kindness, dedication to education, and love of life.