Deborah “Debbie” Wood (formerly Salamites, nee Linstone) died peacefully on November 12, 2017 at the age of 62. Born in Hartford September 24, 1955, she was the daughter of the late Gloria (Arena) Linstone and Robert Linstone and was a long-time resident of Columbia, CT. She had a Master’s Degree in Education and attended Bates College, the University of Connecticut and Wesleyan University. Debbie was an English teacher with Portland Public Schools for nearly 40 years. In addition to her partner Jim Lunt, she is survived by her son Taylor Salamites who was the greatest joy of her life. Debbie is also survived by her step-mother Nancy Linstone, her sister Rondi Bedor and her husband Bob, her brother Jeff Linstone and his wife Jennifer, her ex-husband Billy Salamites and her loving nieces and nephews, Drew Bedor Boorse and her husband Andrew Boorse, Chris Bedor, Evan Bedor, Emma Linstone, Abby Linstone and Maddy Linstone. Besides her parents, Debbie was predeceased by her husband Gary Wood.
Debbie was a loving mother and a dedicated teacher whose zest for life, romantic spirit and infectious enthusiasm for literature and the humanities inspired many students over her long career. She loved her students and thrived on their youthful energy and optimism. Several students became life-long friends. Her spirit will live on among them. She loved most being by her pool listening to the Hop River at “The Cottage at Cooper Hill.” She also enjoyed Sunday dinners with Jim and Taylor and trips to the beach in Niantic.
The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the kind and caring staff of the Marlborough Health & Rehabilitation Center who could not have treated Debbie and her family better.
The family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday November 18th from 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Ave., West Hartford. Memorial contributions may be made to the East Lyme Public Trust Foundation, Inc., ELPTF at PO Box 174, Niantic, CT. 06357. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com