Obituary of Deborah L. Caldwell

Deborah L. Caldwell, 63 entered in eternal rest on Sunday, September 6, 2020 at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, MA following a long period of illness. Deborah had been recovering at the Hillside Commons Nursing and Rehabilitation Center at the time of her death. Deborah was born in Troy, NY and was the daughter of James E. and Edith A. (Duncan) Caldwell, who predeceased her. She was also predeceased by her brothers Joseph R. and William J. Caldwell. She is survived by her siblings Linda A. (Michael, late) Cavotta of Mechanicville, NY, James E. (Bernice, late) Caldwell of North, VA, Carole E. Belardo of Castleton, NY, Jean M. (Donald) Widman and Randy P. Caldwell (Dawn Mallory) of Troy, NY and Patrice M. (John) Chesterfield of Green Island, NY and her sister-in-law Mary T. (William, late) Caldwell of Brunswick, NY. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, especially Chelsea C. Daus, her Goddaughter, with whom she shared a very special bond. Deborah loved her friends like family, and is also survived by her dear friends Louise McDonald, Heather Patrie and Lynn Pafundi. Deborah graduated from Troy High School in 1974 and began her career at The Exchange in Albany, NY, a telephone answering service where she was as an Operator on the overnight shift. Following that, she was employed by the NYS Governor’s Office of Employee Relations as an Office Assistant for several years, before moving on to become a customer service representative for ValueOptions in Troy, NY where she worked until her retirement in 2005. Debby’s witty personality and gift for gab made her imminently qualified for these positions, since she genuinely enjoyed talking to people and helping them get answers to their questions or assistance to solve problems. Debby was a vivacious, smart and loving person who gave generously to others by way of her many talents. She was a gifted seamstress, sewing costumes, curtains and clothing, and a talented craftsperson, making jewelry, cat toys and other keepsakes, and she most often shared these with her family, friends and charitable groups - particularly those who helped animals - by fostering stray mama cats and kittens and making crafts to sell as fundraisers. She was devoted to her own cats and treated them like they were her children - (Rosie, James, Chuck and Dennis) and Maurice, who will miss her terribly. Debby was a very family oriented person. She enjoyed hosting family holidays at her home. She went out of her way to make these holidays special with great attention to ensuring the kids had games to play at Easter and gifts to open at Christmas. Debby will always be remembered by all who knew and loved her as an incredible sister, aunt, teacher, family historian, friend and original personality that always lit up a room. Arrangements will be private due to COVID restrictions. Deborah will be interred with her parents in Elmwood Hill Cemetery in Troy, NY. If you wish to remember Debby in a special way, in lieu of flowers please make any donations to: Kitten Angels, 233 Houseman St., Mayfield, NY 12117 or www.kittenangels.org