Debra Lee (McManus) Brown

Debra Lee (McManus) Brown, 65, of Marlborough CT, beloved wife of James L. Brown passed away at Hartford Hospital with her daughter and granddaughter by her side, after a courageous 4-year battle with cancer on July 14, 2021. She was born on August 26, 1955 in Windham, CT, daughter of Peter G. McManus and Virginia Rose (Barry) McManus, and beloved stepdaughter of Rachel McManus. Debbie grew up in Storrs, CT near the UConn campus where her father took care of the UConn Husky dog and she enjoyed the creamery and Horsebarn Hill. After graduating from E.O. Smith High School in 1974, she married Jim and spent her life devoted to her family and a career in insurance. For the last decade she was employed at the UConn Foundation supporting the University that she loved. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sibling, aunt and friend whose greatest joy was spending time with family and friends. Her favorite pastimes were walking on the beach, gardening and chocolate. Her grandchildren were the light of her life. Everyone knew Debbie for her smile, sparkle in her eyes, her contagious laughter, her stubbornness and her extortionary will to fight! She was loved by many and will be deeply missed. Along with her husband of 46 years, she is survived by her beloved children Timothy J. Brown and his wife, Erin, and children Kaylee and Grayson of Manchester, CT; Tammy L. Wierzbicki and her fiancée Andrew Marocchini and daughter Mackenzie Rose Wierzbicki of Marlborough. CT; brother Peter McManus and his wife, Kathy; sister Cheryl McPherson; much-loved sister-in-law Connie Ames; adored nieces and nephews, Duane McManus, Dawn Seifert (children: Delaney and Reilly Bassett) and Jennifer Sargent (children: Trent and Aidan Sargent); and her cherished best friends, Susan Raiola, Maureen Bavier and Dr. Laurie Hortvet. She was predeceased by both her parents. The family would like to thank Dr. Benjamin Chu who stuck by her side during her 4-year battle, and the hospice support team at Hartford Hospital. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the UConn Cancer Care Fund (#0022204) at the UConn Foundation (https://www.foundation.uconn.edu/give-now/search/?fund_keywords=0022204 ). A private celebration of Life will be held by family. 

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