Fogarty, Deborah Christine Brooker

Nov. 2, 1950-April 15, 2007
"Devoted mother, loving sister, loyal daughter, doting grandmother, adoring aunt, beloved teacher, gifted musician, cherished friend, child of God."
Debbie was born at St. Mary's Hospital in Amsterdam, and grew up in East Worcester. She attended Worcester Central School and graduated with the class of 1969.
She was a member of the Honor Society and was consistently active in both band and chorus which led her to be the accompanist for many of the school's plays and graduations. She was proud to be an exchange student, spending time in Argentina and Spain. She furthered her education at the Crane School of Music via Potsdam State University in Potsdam, where she was classically trained in piano and voice. She also managed to attain majors in Spanish and French as well, which led her to teach high school French and then Spanish at a few schools in upstate New York. Her last position was at Lisbon Central School, where she remained a favorite of many students for almost 20 years.
She was honored in "Madison's Who's Who of Executives and Professionals" on several occasions, and was awarded a Certificate of Achievement by the American Federation of Teachers. Her students nominated her for The National Teacher of the Month many times, sending in essay upon essay stating the reasons why they believed in her so deeply, mostly because she believed in them.
Beginning her musical career with Mrs. Florence Russell, she became an accomplished pianist and vocalist and for many years was the Minister of Music at the Potsdam Church of the Nazarene.
She raised her family in the Potsdam area, finally settling in Norwood. She returned to East Worcester two years ago after her ALS diagnosis to be with her family.
She was an avid reader and was a tremendously talented knitter and crocheter. She also loved to create beautiful cross-stitch pieces for friends and family.
She was immeasurably kind and generous, never letting anyone she knew to be without comfort and love. She had a vast heart and is remembered by everyone she ever came in contact with as one of the most extraordinary individuals you could ever be blessed to know.
She quietly lost her courageous battle with ALS at 12:33 p.m. as the snow fell outside Sunday, April 15, 2007.
She was deeply loved by her three children, Heather Lyn (Fogarty) Mortellaro (and husband, Richard) of Corfu, Lisa Ann Fogarty of Potsdam and Joseph Michael Fogarty of Norwood. She delighted in her three grandchildren, Kaitlyn (9), Kyle (1) and Avery (4).
She is survived by her loving parents, Louis S. Brooker and Esther (Mathewson) Brooker, of East Worcester; one brother, Louis S. Brooker Jr. (and wife, Barbara) of New Jersey; and two sisters, Lynn B. Urrey and Kathleen A. Shaffer, both of New York. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews in New York, Virginia and South Carolina.
She was predeceased by her grandparents, Edmond E. and Angela (Radez) Brooker, of Worcester, and Glenn W. and Alice E. (Skellie) Mathewson, of Westford.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes contributions in her name to be made to the ALS Association, PO Box 127, Elbridge, NY 13060, Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, 327 West Main St., Cobleskill, NY 12043, East Worcester First Responders, PO Box 781, East Worcester, NY 12064, Worcester Emergency Squad, PO Box 191, Worcester, NY 12197 or the MDA, 1249 Front St., Binghamton, NY 13905.
Viewing will be held at the E.J. Skinner Co. Funeral Chapel, 155 Main St., Worcester, beginning at 6 p.m. in the evening and lasting until 8 p.m. April 20, 2007, when the family will be in attendance.
There will be an additional viewing at the East Worcester United Methodist Church from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 21, 2007, followed by funeral services to begin at 11 a.m. Friends and family are invited to stay for refreshments immediately following.
Interment will be in Maple Grove Cemetery in Worcester, at a later date.
Online condolences may be sent to www.skinnerfuneralchapel.com.
The E.J. Skinner Co. Funeral Chapel is serving the family.

Published in The Daily Star on 4/18/2007.