Deborah (Debbie) May (Andrus) Charpentier

Whitehall-Deborah (Debbie) May (Andrus) Charpentier, 70, was welcomed into the loving and healing arms of her Lord on January 9, 2025, after a long, courageous battle with COPD. She is finally at peace and reunited with her dear mother.

Debbie was born on March 19, 1954 in Rutland, VT to the late William and Marion (Howard) Andrus. She grew up in Fair Haven, VT, then spent her senior year and graduated from Whitehall Jr. Sr High School, raised her family and lived her life in Whitehall, NY. She enjoyed her career as a waitress, working in many area restaurants. She particularly enjoyed her time working with the Faville’s at the Finch and Chubb Restaurant.

Debbie was a beautiful, amazing, strong woman who was loved deeply and will be greatly missed. She was feisty, hard-working, full of energy and always doing things for others. She was a wonderful cook and loved keeping her home spotless. She enjoyed going out to dinner, having her nails and hair done, dancing, spending time on the boat, and yard sale-ing anywhere anytime.

Family was the most important thing to her-the family she came from and the one she created. She loved family gatherings and seeing her many relatives as often as possible. Nothing brought her more joy than becoming a grandmother and spending time with her grandchildren. She never missed any opportunity to be with them. She loved going to any events they were in and was always so very proud of them. If you asked her grandchildren to define her, their response would be: ‘Grammy was devoted to her family, fiercely protective, resilient, funny, candid, caring, loving, and liked to hold on to me.’ loved hard, lovely, sweetheart mommy, 

Debbie was predeceased by many siblings and in-laws including Joyce and Ernest Albrecht, Royce (Sonny) and Lillian Andrus, Dorothy and Dave Wescott, Charles Andrus, William Andrus, Shirley Sears, and Timothy Jero. She is also predeceased by Ken Archer who was a very special father figure to her. A wonderful family reunion is surely happening.

Debbie leaves behind her devoted companion of many years, James McKee; her daughter, Shea (Golden) Whiting (Richard) of Whitehall, NY; her son, Michael (Katie Parrott) Charpentier of Poultney, VT; and her grandchildren, Olivia and Jacob Whiting, Abygail Charpentier and bonus grandchildren Alexis and Dawson Procella. She is also survived by her sisters Linda Jero, Madge Youngs, Yvonne (Bonnie) Erickson, sister-in-law Susan Andrus, numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Debbie had many wonderful friends whom she is also leaving behind including life-long friends Jackie Charpentier and Bonnie McGinnes.

Family and friends may call from 3 PM to 6 PM on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Jillson’s Funeral Home, 46 Williams Street, Whitehall, NY. As per Debbie’s request, a celebration of life for everyone to be together and share stories will take place. Please join us immediately following calling hours at the Whitehall Elks. 

The family wishes to sincerely thank the many loving and caring people who took care of Debbie during her stay at Fort Hudson Nursing Center. She had many favorites that made her smile and showed her love. We will remember all of you fondly.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Skenesborough Rescue Squad, Shriners Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Deborah (Debbie) May (Andrus) Charpentier, please visit our floral store.