Debra Marie Serra, 55

DEBRA MARIE SERRA, 55, of New Britain, died peacefully after a brief illness on August 6, 2013 at The Hospital of Central Connecticut lovingly surrounded by her immediate family.

Debbie was the daughter of the late Salvatore and Stasia Serra of Portland and lived at home until 1982. She moved to New Britain and became affiliated with the Central Connecticut Association for Retarded Citizens. She worked for many years at the John McIntosh Workshop in Kensington as a packaging clerk. More recently Debbie attended the day program at CCARC in New Britain where she cultivated many friendships with clients as well as staff. Debbie will always be remembered for her infectious laugh and her love of all those around her. 

Anyone who met Debbie immediately fell in love with her and she returned that love ten-fold. She enjoyed dancing, socializing with her housemates, outings and her afternoon coffee breaks. She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law Charlene and Norman Hicks of Durham who were her guardians and advocates, a sister Susan and her husband Michael Watson of San Antonio, niece Meredith (Hicks) Villwock and her husband Jim of Durham, nephew Christopher Watson of Virginia, niece Stacey (Watson) Zuniga and her husband Leo of San Antonio, a grand nephew and six grand nieces as well as the kind and compassionate staff at Rocky Hill Avenue, Barbour Road and Oakwood Drive group homes where Debbie resided for thirty years. Her housemates Mary S., Mark, Jeff, Patsy, Bobby and Jacek also survive her.  Housemates Mary P. and Laura predeceased her.  The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and the Wolfson Palliative Care Program team of the critical care unit of The Hospital of Central Connecticut for their kindness, compassion and understanding over the past week.

Funeral services will he held Monday, August 12, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. with calling hours from 6:00 p.m. prior to the service at Doolittle Funeral Service, 14 Old Church Street, Middletown, Connecticut with the Reverend Anthony C. Dinoto, Interim Rector of the Church of the Epiphany in Durham presiding.  Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Portland at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers, friends and relatives may make contributions to CCARC, 950 Slater Road, New Britain, CT 06053 in Debbie’s name.