Debra Chadwick of Burlington, Vt., took the next step in her journey on May 28, 2026, surrounded by loving family at the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester.
Born on October 20, 1952, the fourth daughter of Robert and Yolande Chadwick, Deb grew up in the green house on the hill in Burlington, where she attended Rice Memorial and Burlington High School. Early in her work career, she was employed in the financial and marketing/sales departments of Merchants Bank, Fletcher Allen Healthcare and IDX. She later followed her heart and her desire to make a difference and received a BA in human services management as an adult student at Trinity College, part of their last graduating class. Deb considered this one of her greatest accomplishments, as it took her several years to obtain as she juggled life, family and career while attending night and weekend classes.
She had worked with children and their families at the Baird/Howard Center and with the elderly and disabled at the State of Vermont, DCF/Long-Term Care Division, where she retired early from a job she truly loved due to a progressive disability. She fought with a warrior’s spirit to maintain her independence and mobility. Deb volunteered over the years with such agencies as Thanksgiving Meals on Wheels, Special Olympics, Kindred Connections/Prevent Child Abuse and serving Christmas breakfast for the homeless, along with her two children when they were young adults.
Deb was a true Libra, believing in justice and beauty. A person’s words, truth and kindness were important to her. She was passionate in her belief about what was “right or wrong,” especially in the treatment and respect of others. The ocean always called to her and she had a special place in her heart for Cape Cod, Mass., and York, Maine, along with Lake Champlain, where she spent many years boating on its waters.
She loved to cook and was known for her Cheesy Garlic, holiday sweet breads, and her homemade soups, which she shared with friends and relatives. Deb practiced what her mother had taught her, to “always moisturize,” which resulted in her Olay complexion. She honored the written word and was a member of the Poetry Society of Vermont. As a poet, she had several published works.
She was a constantly evolving human being with a curious mind and a lifelong student. A fiercely independent woman, mother, grandmother (Gee/Grandma Deb), spiritual seeker, Reiki Energist, and Pink Floyd (she was able to “rock out” at one of their last concerts, a bucket list item!) and Beatles music lover. Deb loved plants and had a “green thumb,” especially when it came to growing geraniums with the scarlet red blossoms, her favorite.
She was a loyal “Jeopardy” fan, old classic film watcher, crossword puzzler, family genealogist and storyteller. Deb was an avid reader, stayed current on local and world events, and always enjoyed an intelligent, lively conversation.
Deb was a past-life geisha, sensitive to the life energies in people at an early age, a dragon and angel believer, photographer, journal/quote keeper, classical music listener, an animal/nature observer, and a strong advocate for women and children, the elderly and disabled. She was a longtime member of RehabGym in Colchester and the early morning pool, where she formed many friendships. She believed that life was a wonderful journey with all its ups and downs and was truly an “old soul.”
Her children were the greatest loves of her life. She leaves behind her son, Jason Harms (Janelle) of Arvada, Colo., and her daughter, Sarah Richard (Jeff) of Westminster, Colo.; along with her grandchildren, Kai and Zoe Harms and Colin and Conor Richard, her shining stars. Her mother, Yolande, predeceased Deb when she was 15. Her father, brother and two sisters went before her, along with three of her best friends, Pauline, Jimmy and Amos. She leaves her sisters Sharen Chadwick of Milton and Robin House of South Hero and her “sister-friends,” Lindy Lou, Sally and Candy. She also leaves nieces and nephews, cousins, friends and colleagues.
Upon her request, a private service will be held and her ashes will be distributed according to her wishes. Deb asks that you practice random acts of kindness.
“She is not dead but only flying higher, higher than she’s flown before and earthly limitations will hinder her no more…” —Sarah McLachlan