Debra Ann (Bastien) Smith of Columbia, CT, wife of Mark K. Smith, died on Thursday December 31, 2009 at Windham Hospital in Willimantic, from complications of her recently diagnosed lung cancer; she was 54 years old. Born on June 22, 1955 in Norwich, CT, she grew up with her parents in Franklin, and attended the Norwich Free Academy. She was married on May 7, 1982 at St Mary of The Immaculate Conception in Baltic, CT. She earned both her Bachelor and Masters Degrees in Education at Eastern Connecticut State University. Debra was a 4th grade teacher at Scotland Elementary School where she had lovingly worked for 23 years, initially teaching 1st grade, but also both 2nd and 3rd grades over the years. Until recently Deb was also the Religious Education Coordinator at St. Columba Church in Columbia. During the 90's, along with her husband Mark, she helped to run Cub Scout Pack 236 in North Windham. In each of these settings she was an inspiring presence, both a helper and a leader. Debra was predeceased by her father, Ernest Bastien, and her brother Michael. She leaves behind her beloved mother, Estelle (Joubert) Bastien, her husband, Mark Kendall Smith, their two sons, Justin Michael Smith and Matthew Joseph Smith, their daughter, Nicole Marie Smith, and her loving mother-in-law, Jean (Slade) Smith, four brothers-in-law, and her sister-in-law and their families, and many dear aunts, uncles and cousins. Debra was a very loving and caring person, a wonderful daughter, teacher, co-worker, mother and wife. She had great love for the young children whom she taught over the years and was very dedicated to them and to the school. She was a big fan of UCONN basketball. Her dog Baxter was also close to her heart. The family wishes to thank all of the friends and family who supported us during Deb's illness. We also want to say a special thanks to the nurses and doctors at Windham Hospital for their compassion and efforts. Debra's family will receive friends on Monday Jan 4th from 6-8 p.m. at Potter Funeral Home 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195) Willimantic. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at St. Columba Catholic Church, at the corner of Rtes. 66 and 87, Columbia. Burial will follow in the West Street Cemetery, Columbia. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Debra Ann Smith Memorial Fund c/o Scotland Elementary School 68 Brook Road, Scotland, CT 06264 or to St. Columba Church, 382 Rte. 66, Columbia CT 06237. Please visit
www.potterfuneralhome.com
for online memorial guest book.