Deborah P. Wiacek passed away at the Philip Hulitar Hospice Center of R.I. on Aug. 24, 2019, after a brief illness.

She was a daughter of the late Dr. Gordon Carver Pratt and Marjorie (Damon) Pratt. Born in Springfield, Mass., and raised in Longmeadow, Mass., she was educated in the public school system. She matriculated at UMass Amherst, where she received a bachelor’s degree in Education in 1964.

It was at UMass that she met the man to whom she would eventually be married for more than 52 years, her loving husband, Edward. She also leaves two sons, Matthew (Leah) and her much adored grandsons, Gordon and Stephen (Amanda). She is survived by her sister, Alison (Evans) of Doylestown, Pa., and pre-deceased by her sister, Linda (Drummey) of Longmeadow, Mass.

She also leaves several nieces and nephews and a multitude of great-nieces and nephews.

Debbie started her career as a first-grade teacher, having taught in Orange, Conn., Amherst, Mass., and Mountainside, N.J. Once she became a mother, she spent the next 25-plus years as a loving wife, mother and homemaker. She spent the last of her working years at Verizon, where she was a customer service representative on the CATC team, eventually retiring in 2008.

Debbie and Ed joined the First Congregational Church in Bristol, R.I. in 1972. Debbie sang in the choir for many years, was active in the Third Circle women’s group, and also assisted with the annual Church Bazaar.

After retirement, Ed and Debbie enjoyed cruising the Caribbean, Bermuda (where they also celebrated their 10^th anniversary), as well as Alaska and the Mediterranean. Debbie was a wonderful friend to all who knew her, best known for her effervescent personality. At church especially, she was always the first to greet strangers and make them feel welcomed.

When going to friends’ homes for social gatherings, she always asked, “What can I bring?” She was an enthusiastic and gracious hostess herself, always relishing the opportunity to bring family and friends together in her home.

Calling hours are respectfully omitted and burial will be private. A memorial service is planned for late spring of 2020. Contributions in her memory may be made to the First Congregational Church, 281 High St., Bristol, RI 02809. To leave a message of condolence, www.wilbur-romano.com.