Debera Barnes passed away peacefully on Oct. 18, 2025. She was 86.
Debera Barnes, 87, passed away on Oct. 18. A celebration of Debera’s life will be held at a later date.
Born on June 1, 1939, in Orange, New Jersey, she was the daughter of the late Jane Estep Van Houten and Raymond Burgess Van Houten.
Debera graduated from Darien High School and Stephens College. In 1961 she married George Van Vleck Barnes. Together they lived in Wayne, Pennsylvania, before settling in Stamford. Following George’s passing in 1992, Debera moved to Essex and later Old Saybrook.
A lifelong lover of nature and beauty, Debera found immense joy in gardening. She volunteered at the Bartlett Arboretum and was an active member — and former president — of the Essex Garden Club.
Her deep appreciation for the arts inspired her to volunteer in local public schools and to serve for many years as a docent at the Florence Griswold Museum. An avid reader, she also gave her time to both the Essex and Acton libraries.
Debera’s adventurous spirit took her across the world, where she explored museums, attended classical music concerts, and delighted in long walks on the beach and in the woods — often followed by a homemade cookie. She loved travel, cooking, swimming, and sailing, but above all cherished time spent with family and friends.
She is survived by her three children: her son, Keith and his wife Lucy of Centerbrook; her daughter, Dana of Stamford; her son, David and his wife Karen of Seattle, Washington; and three grandsons: Ethan, Coleman, and Benjamin. She also leaves her sister, Katrine Van Houten, and brother-in-law, Takaseda Matsutani of Paris; along with several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her sister, Gretchen Partridge, and brother-in-law, Peter Partridge of Falmouth.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Debera’s memory to the Essex Library , the Acton Library, or the Florence Griswold Museum.
A celebration of Debera’s life will be held at a later date, featuring a walk on the beach, poetry readings and a toast in her honor.
— an obituary from Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home, where onlline condolences may be left
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