Mrs. Deborah "Debbie" Lee

Mrs. Deborah L. (Goodrich) Lee, 75, of Hinsdale, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, February 10, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Debbie was born in Pittsfield, MA, on April 18, 1948. Daughter of the late Kinsley and Marjorie (Rudd) Goodrich, she graduated in 1966 from Wahconah Regional High School and from Westfield State College in 1970 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. She later earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Lesley College in 1996. Debbie dedicated her life to the noble profession of teaching, leaving an indelible mark on the countless lives she touched. She taught elementary and middle school students for 32 years in the Central Berkshire Regional School District, retiring in 2017. Her passion for education was evident in every aspect of her life. She possessed a rare gift for igniting the spark of curiosity in her students, nurturing their thirst for knowledge, and instilling in them a love for learning that extended far beyond the classroom walls. Her dedication to her students and commitment to excellence was unwavering. Throughout her career, “Mrs. Lee” inspired generations of students with her kindness, patience, and belief in their potential. Her classroom was a place of warmth and encouragement, where every child felt valued and supported in their academic journey. She taught invaluable life lessons of compassion, resilience, self-discipline and empathy that her students carried with them long after graduation. Debbie was a devoted wife, mother, and friend. She cherished spending time with her family, and her beloved Cocker Spaniel Bentley, whose companionship brought her immense joy and comfort during her 14 month battle with pancreatic cancer. She was a woman of strong faith and a devoted member and Deacon of the First Baptist Church of Pittsfield. Debbie enjoyed knitting, reading, Bible study, and traveling. Some of her most cherished memories were a cross country road trip with her husband Bill and fulfilling her lifelong dream of visiting Greece. Debbie is survived by her beloved husband of 53 years, William, whom she married on July 4, 1970. She leaves behind her daughter and son-in-law Rebecca and Robert Montgomery of Methuen, son Matthew of Los Angeles, granddaughter Katelyn Montgomery of Lowell, sisters Dorothy (Craig) Walton of Hinsdale, and Darlene (Dennis) Masengo of Buchanan, VA and brother David (Christine) Goodrich of Dalton. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Duane Goodrich. She leaves behind a legacy of love, learning, and compassion that will continue to shine brightly for years to come. Funeral Notice: Funeral services for Mrs. Deborah L. Lee will be Monday, February 19, 2024, at 10 am at the First Baptist Church in Pittsfield, where Debbie was a devoted member and Deacon. Interment will take place at a later date. Calling hours will be Sunday, February 18, 2024, from 12noon to 2pm at the Dwyer-Wellington Funeral Home in Dalton, 525 Main Street, Dalton MA 01226. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Debbie’s memory be made to the First Baptist Church of Pittsfield, 88 South St., Pittsfield, MA 01201.

Mrs. Deborah "Debbie" Lee

April 18, 1948 - February 10, 2024