Deborah J. Stilson

May 27, 1956 - December 10, 2020

Deborah J. Stilson Schenectady – Deborah J. Stilson, 64, of Schenectady, NY passed away after a long illness on Thursday December 10, 2020 at her home with her family by her side. Born on May 27, 1956 in Troy, NY, Debbie was a lifelong area resident and attended local schools. Debbie worked for New York State for 39 years, starting her career as a stenographer, advancing to a legal secretary for the Agriculture and Markets Dept., and after returning to school at Maria College to earn her associates degree, retired from the NYS Attorney Generals office in 2013 as a legal assistant. A devout Roman Catholic, Debbie was a communicant of St. Paul the Apostle Church in Schenectady where she wore many hats. Debbie served the church community as a lector, Eucharistic Minister, Trustee, and various positions on the Parish Council. She was also active with the youth ministry, a member of the Rosary Society, and part of the Bereavement committee. Debbie and her husband were active with Marriage Encounter and she was an Associate of the Dominican Sisters of Peace. She participated in a local crochet circle and will be lovingly remembered for her baking talent. Survivors include her husband of 40 years, Morris L. Stilson, III whom she married on April 12, 1980; her 4 children, Jason (Alicia) Stilson of Ballston Spa, Kelly (Shaun Bassett) Stilson of Bedford, MA, Rebecca Parker(Joseph Pyska) of Clifton Park, and Meghan (Steven, Jr.) Clark of Glenville; her 6 grandchildren, Cadence, Conner, Layla, Mackenzie, Nathaniel, and Josie Rae; her brother, Rick (Nancy Glaser) Scott of Rotterdam; several nieces, nephews, cousins and many extended family and friends. She was predeceased by a brother, Harold Place and her sister, Joan Woodin. The family will receive relatives and friends on Monday, December 14, 2020 from 2 until 6 p.m. at Griswold Funeral Home, 1867 State St. Schenectady. Masks and social distancing are required. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2777 Albany St. Schenectady followed by interment in Memory Gardens, Colonie. Masks and social distancing required. In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully requests that memorial contributions be made to American Cancer Society, Food for the Poor (foodforthepoor.org), or the Dominican Sisters of Peace (oppeace.org).