Debra (Andersen) Thorell

HOLDEN/PRINCETON - Debra (Andersen) Thorell, 52, died peacefully surrounded by her loving family and friends on Wednesday, March 28, 2007.

She is survived by her three children, Katherine Mary, Kelsa Clare, and Casey James Thorell all at home; her parents, Bruce and Virginia (Soter) Andersen of Holden; two brothers, Michael Andersen and his wife Mary of Charlton and Paul Andersen and Lori Parks of Sterling; her sister, Leslie Fuller and her husband Dean of Dudley; several nieces and nephews; aunts, uncles and cousins; and lifelong friends, Catherine Astrella and Maureen Binienda. She was raised in Holden, moved to Princeton and returned to Holden seven years ago.

Debbie was a dedicated, caring Special Education Teacher who began her teaching career in 1976 in Boylston Public Schools. She was a reading tutor for Thomas Prince School in Princeton and completed her career as a Special Education Teacher for the Worcester Public Schools at New Ludlow and most recently Quinsigamond Elementary School. She had a talent for engaging children in learning and inspired them to want to do their best. Debbie received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and her Master’s Degree in Special Education from Fitchburg State College. She was a member of the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the National Education Association and the Educational Association of Worcester.

Debbie had a passion for life and celebration. Family and friends were her greatest treasure. Debbie loved yellow flowers, to dance and to watch sunsets at the ocean. To know Debbie was to love Debbie.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours from 5 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, April 1st, in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street (Rte. 122A), Holden. The funeral for Debbie will be held on Monday, April 2nd, from the funeral home with a Mass at 11 a.m. in Prince of Peace Church, 5 Worcester Road, Princeton. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Avenue (Rte. 56), Paxton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Avon Foundation for Breast Cancer, 577 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd Floor, Cambridge, MA 02139.

Website & Guest Book: www.milesfuneralhome.com