SPENCER: Debra K. (Simonis) Cassanelli, 68, of Spencer died peacefully at home on December 15, after a long illness. Born in Worcester, MA, she was the daughter of the late William and Lillian (Rudik) Simonis.
She leaves her husband of 45 years William Cassanelli; her daughter Jesslyn Cassanelli and her husband James Pride, and her son Charles Cassanelli and his wife Maggie Cassanelli, her grandchildren Julia and William Pride and Emelia and Gemma Cassanelli. She also leaves four siblings, Janice Vasalofsky and her husband John Vasalofsky, David Simonis, James Simonis and his wife Stephanie Wagoner Simonis and Shirley Bovenzi, her sister-in-law Judy Cassanelli as well as several nieces and nephews.
Debra was predeceased by her parents and nephew, James Simonis.
Debra graduated from Fitchburg State College with a BSN and received an advanced certificate from Suffolk University. She was the Assistant Director of the Visiting Nurse Association of Southern Worcester County (now Care Central VNA and Hospice, Inc.) for 41 years.
Debra’s family would like to thank Mass General Hospital and Care Central VNA & Hospice, Inc and her best friend, Jacklyn Fleming, for their exceptional care during this difficult time. Funeral arrangements are under the care of J. HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, Spencer. A service at Mary, Queen of the Rosary Church will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to Care Central VNA & Hospice, Inc, P.O. Box 368, Webster, MA 01570.