Debra Ann Whitbeck

NORTH CANAAN, Conn. -— Debra Ann Whitbeck, 62, of Canaan, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on Oct. 11, 2025, in the loving arms of her daughter, Jennifer. Debbie was born May 7, 1963, in Sharon, daughter of Virginia Tanner Whitbeck of Lakeville, and the late William Whitbeck.

Debbie was a graduate of HVRHS. She worked as an order fulfillment clerk at Edward R. Hamilton Bookseller Company in Falls Village, Connecticut. Deb was an avid NY Yankee fan and enjoyed gardening, spending time with her grand fur-babies, and beading jewelry for the cancer center where she received her treatments. She was a loving mother, daughter, sister and friend. If you knew Deb, her infectious laugh will likely be forever etched in your soul.

In addition to her mother, Deb is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Surdam and her husband Ben of East Canaan, sister Donna Cooke and her husband Robert of Canaan, nephew Jordan Cooke and his wife Crystal and their three children of Avon, Connecticut, niece Jala Cooke and fiancé Ayden Tombs of Independence, Missouri. She was predeceased by the love of her life Robert “Bob” Reed of Falls Village, Connecticut.

A celebration of life will be held in Deb’s honor on Nov. 15, 2025, at the VFW 104 S. Canaan Rd., North Canaan from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Please dress casually and comfortably and wear Deb’s favorite color, purple, if possible.

There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Jane Lloyd Fund c/o The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, 800 N. Main St., Sheffield, MA 01257-9503 or the North Canaan Volunteer Ambulance Corps PO Box 178, North Canaan, CT 06018. Arrangements are under the care of the Newkirk-Palmer Funeral Home, 118 Main St., North Canaan, CT 06018.