Deborah Wills Estle

Deborah Wills Estle, 95, died recently at Lafayette Center in Franconia. Deb was born in North Brookfield, MA, in 1914, the daughter of Arthur J. and Mabel Barton Wills. A graduate of North Brookfield High School, Class of 1932, she attended the Lesley School in Cambridge, MA, and was a graduate of Sullins College, Bristol, VA, with a diploma in Home Economics. She also attended the Kathleen Dell Business School in Boston while teaching cooking and sewing at a settlement house in the Boston area.

Before her marriage to Edwin F. Estle in 1941, she was secretary at the Quaboag Rubber Co., North Brookfield, MA. After World War II, Deb and Ed moved to Littleton where she was secretary in the firm of Edwin F. Estle, Certified Public Accountant. Deb and Ed visited Europe and Alaska on several occasions during their retirement. They spent several winters in Aiken, SC, before returning to live year-round in Littleton in 1991. Deb was a member of the First Congregational Church for over sixty years, and belonged to the Emma Merrill Guild and the Ladies Society. She is fondly remembered by her family, friends, and caregivers for her positive spirit and unflagging sense of humor, in spite of her physical failings.

She is survived by daughters Martha and husband Bryant Eaton, and Nancy and husband Jonathan Graves, all of Grand Manan Island, NB, Canada, and son John and partner Norma Haubenstock of Fairbanks, AK. Other family members include three grandchildren, Alex Eaton, Alisa Eaton and Ian Graves, a great grandson, two nieces and a nephew.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation in Debs name may be made to North Country Home Health and Hospice, the First Congregational Church stained glass window fund, or Habitat for Humanity. Memorial and committal services will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to Keller & Pillsbury Funeral Homes. For more information or to sign an online register, please visit www.kellerandpillsburyfh.com