UPDATE: Debra Ann Pelletier, 66, formerly of Lowell, MA, has passed away peacefully in her home in Aptos, CA, on November 19, 2025. This tragic loss comes as family and friends prepare to honor her legacy at a Celebration of Life event scheduled for January 16, 2026, at 6 PM at Lenzi’s, located at 810 Merrimack Ave, Dracut, MA.
Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, Debra was the beloved daughter of Joseph Raymond Pelletier and Lorraine (Langlois) Pelletier. She graduated from Notre Dame Academy in 1976 and furthered her education by earning a Master’s Degree in speech-language pathology from Chico State University in 1990. Her career spanned over three decades, where she dedicated herself to educating special needs students.
Debra’s adventurous spirit shone through her summers spent as a seasonal firefighter and forester for the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management in various states, including Nevada, Idaho, and California. She cherished running on the beaches of Aptos, traveling to tropical islands, and enjoying summers on Long Lake in Naples, Maine, surrounded by family and friends.
She is survived by her parents, her brother Raymond Pelletier, sister-in-law Michelle (Gath) Pelletier, nephews Michael, Hunter, Ben, and niece Nicole Pelletier. She also leaves behind her sister-in-law Suzanne Pelletier and husband Tom Roy, along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends, including Tom and Regina Smith. Debra was predeceased by her brother Paul Pelletier, who passed away in 2010.
The family expresses their gratitude to the Hospice staff of Santa Cruz, CA, for their compassionate care during Debra’s final days. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to Hospice of Santa Cruz, located at 940 Disk Dr., Scotts Valley, CA 95066.
As family and friends gather to celebrate Debra’s life, her impact on those around her will be felt deeply. The community is invited to join in honoring her memory and celebrating her legacy on January 16.
