Debra (Duell) Farr

Debra A. “Debb” Farr, age 65, passed away unexpectedly on November 25, 2025, at Wynn Hospital. At the time of her passing, she was surrounded by the love and support of her family at her side. 

Born on May 4, 1960, Debra was the daughter of the late James and Virginia (Stoker) Duell. She was raised and educated in Rome, NY, where she built the foundation for a life defined by compassion, dedication, and love.

Debb devoted her career to the human services field, working for many years as an activities director in local nursing homes. She shared her talents and warm spirit at Sitrin Healthcare, Focus Rehab, the Oneida Center, and RCIL. Most notably, she spent nearly a decade serving as the Director of Activities at The Grand in Ilion, where she became family not only to the residents she cared for, but to the staff who worked alongside her. Her passing leaves a profound void in their close-knit community.

Debb’s caregiving nature extended far beyond her profession. When she wasn’t tending to those at work, she was pouring her heart into her own family—the people she cherished above all else. She was nurturing, endlessly giving, and the kind of person who made everyone feel seen and cared for. Debb enjoyed a good cup of coffee, treasured movie nights with her grandchildren, and found joy in cooking and baking for the people she loved. Debb's life was blessed with the companionship of Jerry Roth, whom was the love of her life and her best friend. They spent many years of laughter and togetherness until Jerry's passing May 18, 2023.

Debb will be remembered for her kindness, her warmth, and the way she made every place she entered feel like home. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Kenneth and Cassandra Race of Vernon; her daughters, Christina Williams of Rome, Mackenzie Kelly of Ilion and Brianna Andrews of Rome; her grandchildren, Lance Williams and Judy Benjamin, Caidence Race, Parker Race, Wyatt Race and Caleb Paver; and her great-grandchildren, Adalynn, Hunter, Xavier, Nova and Kyileena. She also leaves her brothers and sister-in-law, Michael Duell and Gary and Amanda Duell; her sister and brother-in-law, Terri and Pat Kinsella; many nieces and nephews, with special mention of Faith and Ryan Hoskey, Tyler Kinsella and Cody Kinsella; her beloved dog, Chalee; and many more extended family members and friends, especially her Grand healthcare family. Debb was predeceased by her son, Lance Frank; and by her grandparents, Mildred and John Duell and Fred and Ruth Baulf. 

There will be no formal calling hours or funeral service at this time. A Celebration of Debb's Life will take place at a date and time to be announced. 

For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions to The Grand Rehab & Nursing, Activities Department, 99 Sixth Avenue, Ilion, NY 13357. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. 

Debb's family has entrusted her final wishes to the Enea, Ciaccia & Applegate Funeral Directors. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com.