Deborah Christel


Deborah Cant Christel, 63, of Winchester, Massachusetts, died peacefully on the morning of February 21, 2023. Born in Buffalo, NY on October 15th, 1959, Deb grew up in Amherst, New York and attended Amherst Central High School. She was a graduate of St. Lawrence University, where she was a resident advisor, a member of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority and The Laurentian Singers. Her love of music was a lifelong joy, and she later sang in choirs in Boston and Winchester. Deb also loved the outdoors, and adored nothing more than to spend the day on the slopes skiing with family and friends. She also enjoyed tennis, golf, photography and a myriad of other activities throughout her life. Her joyful smile and luminous personality touched everyone she met. Her friends were friends for life, and she cherished those lifelong connections. After college, Deb took up residence and started her business career in Boston. There she met her future husband Will, and they were wed in 1988. Professionally, Deb was a successful sales and marketing executive for many years with IBM, after stints with Knoll Furniture, Polaroid and other companies. She was also active in many organizations in the greater Boston area, including The Trinity Church of Boston, The Junior League of Boston, and The Parish of the Epiphany in Winchester. Deb also loved to spend time with family and friends at Fishers Island, NY in the summer, and The Mountain Lake Club, Florida in the winter. She particularly loved the rolling hills, beautiful stone walls, and sparkling waters of Lake Quassapaug in Middlebury Ct.  Preceded in death by her father John Cant, Deb’s survivors include her husband William Christel and son Samuel Christel, her mother Connie Reed, her brother Scott Cant and his wife Fran Cant, and an extended loving family. She could fill any room with her joyous laughter, and the world was a better place. Services will take place this spring in Middlebury, Connecticut. Deborah’s family will provide details closer to the date. In lieu of flowers, Deborah’s family suggests donations be made to The McCance Center for Brain Health at Mass. General Hospital or the Middlebury Land Trust.

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1 Condolence

  1. Lisa (Muscarella) Bloom on September 8, 2023 at 3:26 pm

    My sincere condolences to Deb’s family and close friends. I just learned of her passing from the St. Lawrence alumni magazine. Deb and I went through Amherst schools together, as well as SLU. We lost touch after college, but as soon as I saw the beautiful photo of her here, I was flooded with many fond memories of her infectious energy and smile. My first plane ride was with Deb and her mother on a college tour trip to New England. We were cheerleaders together, enjoyed ski club, and other high school organizations. I remember her running for a student government position in high school with the slogan “Debbie Cant Can!” She was a gem.



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