Deborah Kay (Ladina) Martin

Deborah K. Martin, 69, of Southbury, passed away on October 13, 2023 at Waterbury Hospital after a hard-fought battle with cancer. She was the loving wife of William Devlin.

Deborah was born on July 26, 1954, in Detroit, MI to Joseph and Louise Ladina. While growing up, she was nicknamed “Sarge” by her younger brothers for her commanding ways. She married her first husband, Paul Martin, a West Point graduate, in 1976 and spent several years stationed in Germany. After his service, Paul’s employment had them relocated several times across the south, including South Carolina where in 1983 Deborah received a B.S. Degree in Medical Technology from the Medical University of South Carolina. Their last move took them to Houston, TX and after a few years they established a business manufacturing Sports Memorabilia items, a venture that at one point had up to 80 employees. Deborah excelled as Operations Manager. The name of her beloved dog Rookie was inspired by their sports business. Paul passed away in 1999, also succumbing to cancer. Deborah eventually sold the business and remained in Houston where she met William. Deborah and William were married on October 25, 2008. Upon William’s retirement in 2013, they moved to Southbury, CT.

Deborah loved to craft and garden. She pursued these passions with characteristic skill, enthusiasm, and energy. She had a good, caring heart and was generous with her family and friends alike. Given her penchant for Christmas- and winter-themed crafts, she volunteered her time, expertise, and organizational skills for many years to the Methodist Church of Woodlands Texas’ Holiday Fair to support their charitable efforts. Upon moving to Southbury, she crafted several years for the United Church of Christ Holiday Fair. Deborah was also an avid seamstress, and in recent years sewed hundreds of items that were distributed to the needy in area hospitals and schools by various local organizations. Her gardening energy knew no bounds (and sometimes not even neighbors’ fences).

Deborah is survived by her mother, Louise Ladina, and her brothers Joseph, Kenneth, Kevin, and Timothy Ladina. Deborah also leaves behind many close, loving friends across the country. She will be sorely missed by her family and friends. A service for Deborah will be private and at the convenience of her family, most of whom live in the Detroit area.

Munson Lovetere Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements. To leave an online condolence please visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com

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