Obituary of Deborah J. Dubitsky

Deborah J. Dubitsky

Born in 1947 in Canandaigua, Deby graduated from Canandaigua Academy, going back to school and earning first her Associate degree and then her Bachelor's degree when she was in her 60s. She was contemplating a Master's degree program when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease at 67.

Deby was a force larger than life. Standing tall at just over 5-feet in her white Keds, she commanded a room with ease, leaving no doubt who was in charge. Those of us fortunate to know and love her truly appreciated her sharp intellect, clever sense of humor and unending compassion. She sheltered abused, unwanted animals as well as various people who needed her care. Animals and humans alike benefitted from her nurturing. She had a way of making us all feel like we could accomplish anything.

Deby loved music, her animals, and her family. She was proud of her roots; sharing stories of the Johncox Ice Cream store and the joys of growing up in Canandaigua. She had a great many adventures, including volunteering with PAWS Animal Shelter, an award-winning career with Avon, and helping her husband with the thoroughbreds he owned and trained at Finger Lakes Race track, but her home was where her heart was.

She would want us to remember her strength and her compassion, which was still plain to see even as her Alzheimer's progressed. We will miss her, but should take comfort in the fact that she's now commanding the room up above, sending her love down to us when we most need it.

She is survived by her daughter Jilaine (Edward) Burley, granddaughter Abigail Burley, sisters Elizabeth Taylor, Rebecca Myers, Theresa Passalacqua (Michael); and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Barry Dubitsky; her sister Judith Herring; and her brother, James William Bennett.

Calling hours will be held at Fuller Funeral Home, Inc. 190 Buffalo St, Canandaigua, on Friday April 26th from 5-8 pm. An 11am memorial service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, April 27th, followed by burial in Woodlawn Cemetery Canandaigua.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer's Association: https://www.alz.org/ or PAWS of Orleans County, NY: https://www.paws14411.com/