Debra E. (O’Neil) Santos, 67, of Peabody, MA passed away peacefully on Saturday March 13, 2021 from complications of congestive heart failure.

The daughter of the late Charles and Evelyn O’Neil, she was born on January 8, 1954 in Salem, MA. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 50 years, Eduardo (Eddie) Santos.

She spent most of her career caring for the elderly as a Certified Nursing Assistant. She expressed great compassion for her patients and brought joy and comfort to them and their families.

She loved to play cribbage and bingo. She enjoyed trips to Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun. On any given morning she could be found enjoying her morning coffee with her friends at The Peabody Diner.

She was inseparable from her twin brother David (Willy) and his wife Anne. Debbie would often “pop over” unannounced to “hop in the pool” or enjoy coffee and conversation. Willy and Anne were forever welcoming with loving arms open wide.

Best friends with her loving sister Judy, they would often take long scenic drives to “get lost.” They supported each other through all of life’s ups and downs, laughing until they cried and wiping each other tears of sadness. Sisters by birth, best friends by choice.

She was blessed with four girls whom she loving referred to as “The 4 L’s.” It wasn’t always easy with a house full of girls and an abundance of attitude to go around. In the end, all roads lead home and the door was always open at Ma’s.

Of all things in life, her grandchildren (all girls of course) were her pride and joy! She loved each one of them beyond measure and without a doubt. They were the light of her life and there isn’t anything she wouldn’t have done for them. They lovingly referred to as “Grammy”, “Grams”, and “The Ole Gram Cracker.”

She is survived by her daughters: Lisa C. Arpin & her husband Ronald of Raymond, NH; Linda M. Fayoda & her husband Bola of Danvers, MA; Lianne M. Santos & her partner Jason Babine of Eliot, ME; Laurie A. Santos of Peabody, MA: her granddaughters: Amber & Olivia Arpin; Sienna & Malia Fayoda; Brielle Babine; Zayla Santos: her siblings: David W. O’Neil & his wife Anne of Lynn, MA; Judith E. (O’Neil) Smith & her husband Wayne of Raymond, NH; Charles E. O’Neil & his wife Mimi of Salem, MA; Kathleen B. (O’Neil) Hagelbarger & her husband Edward of Lynn, MA; Jon Michael O’Neil & his wife Lenore of Salem, MA and many nieces and nephews.

And we cannot forget about her cat Rusty who misses her terribly.

A Celebration of Life will take place for family and friends at a later date.