Deborah Douglass

Deborah Douglass, 69, of Berne, passed away unexpectedly December 16, 2021, with family by her side. She was born to the late Robert and Phyllis Owen. Originally from Wappingers Falls, she moved to Berne with her parents and children in 1985.

She started working for the Berne-Knox-Westerlo school district as a bus driver soon after moving. Although she had retired years before, she continued working as a substitute, as she loved driving and the kids. When she was not working she enjoyed 'glamping', traveling to surrounding states to see the sights, take pictures, sit by the firepit, and of course, making new or visiting with old friends and family. Her family and friends were her world, she would make sure to check in- sometimes daily, and ensure that you made it safely wherever you were going and to know she was thinking of you. She enjoyed being on the hill, being able to watch and talk to the deer, turkey, fox, and occasional bear, while also making sure she took pictures of them playing so she could share these experiences with others. Her love of animals was evident, from her weekly bags of leftovers for her four legged grand babies, to all the pictures in her phone of various animals (real or fake), and her wolf collection throughout her home. She also enjoyed watching hot air balloons and fireworks. She would drive an hour each way to watch a 15 minute display.
She was known to many as a second mom, sister, and daughter. She touched the lives of so many with her unconditional love, generosity, kindness, and humor. She would make friends wherever she went and enjoyed making others laugh and smile. She made sure that others knew she thought about them and loved them.
She is survived by her long time partner in crime, William Swart Sr, her son, David Douglass, her daughter, Dawn Gibson, two grandchildren, Austin and Avery Gibson, as well as many aunts, uncles, neices, nephews, and cousins.
She will be greatly missed by all that knew her. Funeral/memorial services will be scheduled at a later date.