Obituary of Debra L. Baribeau

South Hadley—Debra L. Baribeau, 69, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at home. Daughter of the late Gerard and Lucille (Davis) Aussant, Debbie was born in Springfield on July 17, 1953. Debbie spent the last year fighting a rare head and neck cancer with grace and dignity. Even in the hardest moments, when cancer changed her on the outside, Debbie held her head high, continuing to spend time with loved ones and doing the things she enjoyed. She would not let cancer get the best of her.

Debbie took pride in her career with Springfield Public Schools. She enjoyed gardening, her pool, and making her famous popcorn. Family was everything; she cherished time with her grandson, daughters, sisters, and life-long partner, Danny. She loved listening to music, flea markets, trips to the beach, and always keeping a tidy home. Debbie appreciated life’s simplicity, devoted to family and friends, she was nurturing and kind to everyone she met. She battled cancer with tenacity and strength, keeping her faith in God throughout. She left a light in this world that will never fade.

Debbie will be dearly missed by all who knew her, including her loving life partner, Dan Lacoste; her daughters Melissa Baribeau (Mikey) of Springfield and Jennifer Baribeau (Paul) of Cromwell, CT; her sisters Gail Nassif of ME, Darlene Frates (Jay), of Chicopee, Denise Bolduc (Ken) of Chicopee, Shawna Lackie (Buzz) of NH, Tammy Clifford (Richard) of NH, and Jamie Taber (Brian) of NH; her grandson, Chase Santiago; her goddaughter Kaitlyn Casiano (Ashley) of South Windsor, CT and their son, Weston Casiano; her dear friend Peg Lacoste; Gary Baribeau (Angel), ex-spouse, as well as many extended family members and friends.

In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her brother, Gary Aussant in 1975.

Visitation will be Saturday, October 1, 2022 from 9:00a m-12:00pm at Beers & Story South Hadley Funeral Home, 646 Newton Street. A funeral home service will begin at 12:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can also be made to the DFCI Center for Salivary and Rare Head and Neck cancers at www.dana-farber.org/center-for-salivary-and-rare-head-and-neck-cancers/