Deborah Shepardson

Deborah Shepardson, 89, of Chatham and Piseco New York, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2026. She was the daughter of the late Harry F. and Anna G. Paul of Little Falls, New York. She graduated from Little Falls High School Class of 1955 and attended SUNY Oneonta.

Debbie met her late husband as recreation staff in Furnace Street Park in Little Falls, NY, Jerry and Debbie married in 1958, and after stints in New Jersey and Canajoharie, NY, they moved to Chatham in 1966 where Jerry joined the Chatham School District as a guidance counselor. Whenever Jerry was asked to be a class advisor, Jerry and Debbie supported the students together and chaperoned many dances and always made sure to be there for the class reunions over the years. Debbie also supported Jerry and helped his campaign when he was a Village Trustee of Chatham, NY from 1977-1993 and Mayor of Chatham from 1993-1995. She was also a member of the St. James Parish.

For almost two decades, Debbie provided childcare for many faculty members in the local school districts. She took great pride in taking care of the children with many becoming part of the family. Photos of those she cared for sat on the shelf alongside photos of her own children.

Debbie always liked a good party. Long before FOMO became a “thing”, it was her mantra. Whether it was as simple as chatting with good friends on the porch at camp, a boat ride with the gang, a Jimmy Buffett concert, or a trip to Nova Scotia, Ireland or Hawaii, she was always ready to join in. Holidays were always her specialty, and she planned, often weeks in advance, to ensure they were successful. She loved to dance, even at the age of 89 she made sure she got on the dance floor for both of her granddaughters’ weddings.

She loved the theater and went to many shows on Broadway, at Proctor’s or in Boston. For many years, she worked at the Mac-Haydn theater, setting up the box office prior to the season. She attended almost every show of this past season—fittingly her last show was Jimmy Buffett’s Escape from Margaritaville.

Debbie’s greatest joy in life was the family camp on Piseco Lake, NY. Residing there from Memorial Day to Columbus Day, she and Jerry always created a welcoming place for friends and family. Purchased by her parents, the camp remains where family comes together to celebrate and enjoy the beauty of the Adirondacks. She loved the lake and sitting on the porch, waiting for the moon to rise over the mountains with her famous gin and tonic by her side.

Surviving are her children H. Paul Shepardson, his partner, Jill Barker, and his former wife, Colleen Donnelly Shepardson; Anita Nugent and her husband, Bob; J. Andrew Shepardson and his husband William Bulman; her grandchildren Ryan, Delaney and Cameron Shepardson, Kaylin Bennett and her husband Jesse, and Molly Pierson and her husband Tyler; her nieces and nephews, Joan McCarthy Mazzio and her husband Victor, Jack McCarthy and his wife Sue, James McCarthy and his wife Maria, and Julie McCarthy Milbach and her husband Alan; her grand nieces and nephews; her wonderful supporter, Heather Casey; and many friends from Little Falls, Piseco, Chatham and beyond. The family is grateful to Jean Berwick and the entire staff at Hawthorne Ridge in East Greenbush for the care and support of Debbie.

In addition to her parents she was also predeceased by her husband of 58 years Jerry R. Shepardson.

A time to share memories and offer condolences with the family will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home, 25 Railroad Ave, Chatham, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 11:00 AM from St. James Church, Hudson Avenue, Chatham. Those attending are encouraged to wear spring and bright colors to honor Debbie. Inurnment will take place at Higgins Bay Cemetery in July for those who wish to attend. Arrangements have been entrusted to Robert M. Donaghue, French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home, Chatham. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Mac-Haydn Theatre P.O. Box 204 Chatham, NY 12037.