Deborah Clay passed away peacefully at Kaplan House Care Dimensions in Danvers on January 11 at the age of 72. She was born in Salem MA on June 5, 1949, to Estelle and John Clay. She spent her childhood in Salem, Ma (The Willows) and graduated from Salem High School in 1967.
After graduating from Salem High School, Deb attended and graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She began her teaching career at the Bates School. Deb then transferred to Salem High School where she pursued an English teaching career. She educated generations of Salem students for over 30 years. Deb was a compassionate, invested, and inspirational teacher, who motivated and encouraged her students and who selected her as “A Teacher of Influence” on several occasions.
Deb is survived by her Husband: Michael J Fischer and much-loved dog Ollie all of Salem; Stepchildren Mark Fischer and Wife Sally, Castle Pines, CO; Mark’s daughter Nicole Fischer, North Andover, Rachel Kropewnicki and Husband John; daughter Anya,Melrose; Sarah Jones and Husband Chris; son Christopher, Braintree. Deb is also survived by her cherished cousin Robert Gonet, Beverly, and her special friend Annie of the Salem Willows. Deb was an avid skier and adored their time in Waterville Valley, NH. After skiing concluded she loved her snowbird life in Fort Myers Florida with Mike and Ollie and their many wonderful friends especially June, Deb, Lauren, and Ginny.
Funeral services will be private. A celebration of life will be planned for the spring or early summer (announcements will be sent out). In lieu of flowers a donation to the Kaplan House Care Dimensions Hospice in Danvers https://www.caredimensions.org/hospice-care/kaplan-house.cfm; The Northeast Animal Shelter Highland Ave Salem https://www.northeastanimalshelter.org. For guest book and to send a message of support to her family, please visit www.LevesqueFunerals.com.