BELLOWS FALLS, Vt. – Debra L. Whitcomb embarked on her farewell road trip and passed away peacefully June 16, 2021 in El Paso, Texas. She spent more than 20 years fighting Spinocerebellar Ataxia, advocating for those who lived with disabilities and with her last breath, her battle was won in the way she lived and in the way she died.
Born Nov. 6, 1953 in Brockton, Mass. to James and Margaret (Metcalf) Larsen, she was the fourth of nine children. Known as Debbie back in those days, she graduated from Bellows Falls Union High School in 1971, proud to be the last class to graduate from the building on School Street.
Debra was an avid traveler in the final decades of her life and made friends across the country of all faces and races. With her faithful companion, a red heeler mix named Anabelle, by her side, she made cross-country treks frequently between New Mexico, Texas, and Vermont and even up to Alaska to visit friends and family and to see the world while her health permitted.
“Here for a good time, not a long time,” she would joke, making light of the struggles she faced with her indomitable spirit.
A talented artist, she was generous with her gift and spread her art far and wide with loved ones and dear friends and never kept any for herself. The same could be said about her spirit and generosity. She gave fiercely and absolutely and never kept it to herself.
She leaves behind her partner of nearly four decades, Gary Rorison of El Paso, Texas; her son Neal Whitcomb and partner Katrirna Tallman of Grafton, Vt.; daughter Megan and son-in-law Patrick Applegate of Bellows Falls, Vt.; the lights of her life, her four grandchildren Dominic Baeza, Andrew Applegate, Makenna Applegate, and Riley Applegate of Bellows Falls, Vt.; her sisters Diane Patterson and Pamela Kissell; brothers Bob Larsen, Ronn Larsen, and Scott Larsen; beloved nieces Brandy Riendeau, Carrissa Larsen, Andrea Griffin, and Samantha Patterson; nephews Jeff Riendeau, Justin Kissell, and Joshua Kissell; and last, but not least, lifelong best friends Margaret Cantwell and Aurelie Haskell of Dennis, Mass.
She is preceded in death by parents; her aunt Ruth Metcalf; sister Cheryl Riendeau; and brothers James “Skip” Larsen and Allen “AJ” Larsen.
A celebration of life is planned for September and all who knew and loved her are welcome to attend.