Debra M. Staring

LITTLE FALLS - Debra M. Staring, of Little Falls, NY passed away peacefully with her loved ones by her side on June 16, 2024, at Bassett Hospital, in Cooperstown, NY. She was 68 years old and had a brief but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Her cancer was suspected only 10 days before her passing.


Debra was born to the late Michalina (LaPorta) and Walter Heansel in Little Falls on August 20, 1955. Debra grew up on the South Side of town, graduating from Little Falls High School in 1973. During that time, she would meet Fred D. Staring Jr, who would become her beloved husband. Fred and Debra married on July 12, 1975, at St Joseph’s Church, in Little Falls. Debra was predeceased by Fred in March 2023.


Shortly after their wedding, Debra and Fred packed up and began an eleven-year residence in Las Vegas, Nevada. During this time, Debra and Fred pursued their aspirations and met friends along the journey who would become part of their family. In Las Vegas Debra was employed as a computer programmer and data analyst. Originally satisfied with being a pair, after some exploring, living and growing, Debra and Fred decided to expand their family. They were blessed with two daughters, Jessica in 1985 and Teresa in 1988. In 1991 Debra and Fred decided to relocate back to Little Falls, to raise their daughters with the love and support of family and friends, in the same town they grew up in.


As they planted their roots back in New York, Debra would take a position with the local Grocers union, UFCW where she proudly worked until her retirement in 2005. Debra also supported her husband Fred, who owned and operated Manheim Liquors in Dolgeville. The two worked hard throughout their lives, providing the security and comfort they knew their family deserved.


Throughout her life, Debra enjoyed various activities. She was skilled at sewing and hemming and enjoyed making clothing. Over the years she made many pieces, including her wedding dress as well as her bridesmaids’ dresses. She also made a christening gown that many of her family members shared for their baptisms, and of course Halloween outfits for her girls. She also learned to crochet and create needle point projects. She shared some of her skills with her daughters, teaching them to craft and having them help her bake and cook. Her other favorite past times included spending time with friends and family at countless gatherings and going to camp where she enjoyed activities from horseshoes to waterskiing. She also enjoyed traveling to visit new and exciting places with her husband. Debra had a thirst for knowledge and enjoyed going to places like museums or landmarks to learn about history and culture. She grew up playing cards with her family and enjoyed teaching new friends how to play different games.


Family was very important to Deb and even while living across the country she and Fred kept up on what was happening back home. They hosted many visitors in their Vegas home and traveled back often during their time away. Once back home, they shared a duplex with her parents while their new home was under construction. They started new traditions including family dinner on Monday evenings and Christmas Eve in her parent’s home. Debra was one of three children. She shared many adventures with her sister Elaine and brother-in-law, Jan. They explored, hiked, went to Woodstock and continued to travel and share experiences throughout their lives. Debra shared a special connection with her brother Micheal, especially once she moved back home. He became present in her daughter’s lives. He showed them adventure bringing them on motorcycles and snowmobiles. He brought them to fairs and would even help them pick out Christmas presents for their parents.


Debra had a special place in her heart for animals. She shared most of her life with her own pets. Most recently her 3 cats kept her company, always sitting and sleeping by her side and providing many comical moments for her and her family. Her daughters often brought their dogs to brighten everyone’s day. She found joy in the visits from animals, even during her last days at the hospital, where she was visited by a local therapy dog. The smile on Debra’s face during her visits was so uplifting. Animals really can lighten the soul and inspire joy even on days that it is difficult to find it ourselves.


Debra was a strong, independent, and resourceful woman. This was even more apparent after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Despite the challenges of MS, Debra never let her condition get her down, and she certainly did not let it define her. Her poise and grace throughout her journey with this disease was truly admirable. Her smile was contagious and she offered it to many. She became active with the MS Society and participated in many fundraisers, awareness and MS walks with her friends and children. She always pushed herself to keep going and would just say, “come on legs, I know you can do it”. It was only in the last 4 years that her legs just didn’t listen anymore. She became non-ambulatory in 2020. Although her transport was supported by wheelchair, she still actively worked to maintain range of motion and stay as independent as possible.


The family would like to recognize and send a heartfelt appreciation to Debra’s caretakers who helped support her over the last 4 years. Many have become like family during this time. With their help, Fred, Jessica and Teresa were able to honor Debra’s wish of staying in the comfort of her home despite her condition. Even after Fred’s passing, the company and dedication that her caretakers provided gave Deb joy and comfort. She taught and beat them at Rummy, shared stories, laughs and meals. Many of her aids provided experiences and outings that brightened Deb’s days and allowed her to continue to see the beauty in every day. The family would also like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Bassett Healthcare, in Cooperstown, whose care and empathy helped make Debra’s last days on earth as comfortable as they could be.


Debra was predeceased by her mother, Michalina, in 1997; and her father, Walter, respectively, in 1999. She is survived by her sister, Elaine Rider, of Virginia Beach, VA; and her brother, Michael Heansel of Little Falls NY. She is also survived by her daughters, Jessica Martin and Teresa Staring.


A Celebration of Life for Debra is scheduled on Saturday, August 3, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the Kirkland Town Park, in Clinton, NY. A Mass dedicated in Debra’s name will also take place in Little Falls, at Holy Family Parish, on August 10, 2024, at 5:00 p.m., for those who would like to attend. Her daughters will welcome guests after the Mass for a potluck style gathering in their family home on Arthur St.


In lieu of flowers please consider helping the family with services. Also, her daughters would like to support animals by donating locally in Debra’s name.


A special thank you to the Enea Family Funeral Home, for their care, compassion and guidance, Enea, Ciaccia & Applegate Funeral Directors.


Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.