Deborah L. Barisano, 66, daughter of Felice (Felix) Antonio Barisano and Lorraine Audrey (Kelley) Barisano, passed away on June 9, 2021.  Born on July 24, 1954, in Hartford, CT, Debbie held associates degrees in Computer Programming from Champlain College and as a Disability Specialist at Manchester Community College.

She was a computer programmer for over 20 years, but her life's purpose was one of service.  Debbie was in her element whenever she provided support to a person with a disability, or whenever she was able to help someone solve a problem.  She was the founder of the tennis program for the Connecticut Special Olympics, and volunteered for a therapeutic horseback riding program.  When she became a personal assistant, providing loving and person-centered care for individuals with physical disabilities, Debbie positively glowed.  Feeling that personal assistants were not adequately recognized for their important work, she started the Connecticut Association of Personal Assistants (CTAPA) as a way to provide support and advocacy.

Sadly, health issues eventually forced her to retire, but she continued to 'walk with' people with disabilities.  She made customized clothing and equipment, provided a calming presence, and was a communications hub in emergencies.  Debbie took up genealogy, leaving volumes of information about her family tree.  An expert with needle and thread, she made quilts for celebrations, weddings, and baby showers, including Quilts of Valor for veterans in hospice.  Debbie was an active member of the Wadsworth Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.  She was the co-chair of Wreaths Across America, served as photographer for DAR events, and contributed quilts and other sewing projects.  She was married for four years.  Although they eventually parted ways, she and her husband had many good times attending concerts and plays, and visiting lighthouses throughout New England and beyond.  Debbie's tender heart, generous spirit, quick wit, and adorable laugh will be missed by all who knew her.

She was predeceased by her parents; her brother, Michael Barisano; and her former husband, Armand Legault.  She is survived by her brother, Ronald Barisano; her niece, Brandie Barisano; and her cousins, Lisa (Kelley) King and Karen Kelley; along with other cousins and many friends, including her soul sister, Cathy Ludlum.

Heartfelt thanks to Debbie's DAR sisters who provided so much support during her long illness.

A luncheon celebration of Debbie's life will be held at the Urban Center at St. Patrick - St. Anthony Church, 285 Church Street, Hartford; at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, June 23; with a Mass of Christian Burial at 1:15 PM.  To view a live stream of the Mass please visit https://www.spsact.org This is a fragrance-free event.  People are encouraged to wear red, Debbie's favorite color.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to:

Wadsworth Chapter DAR, c/o Theresa Latimer, 29 Lakewood Rd, East Hampton, CT 06424-1404 or Communitas, Inc., P.O. Box 358, Manchester, CT 06045-0358.  To share a memory of Debbie, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com.