Debra Vasconcellos, native and long-term resident of Fall River, passed away peacefully at the age of 68 on July 16, 2026. Debbie was the precious daughter of the late Gilbert and Edith Vasconcellos of Fall River.

Debbie graduated from Nazareth Hall School, where she was everyone's happiest friend. Following school, she enjoyed many years with those friends while attending sheltered workshops. Having inherited the family work ethic, she came home every afternoon and proudly announced "I went to work today."

She also loved seeing friends and teammates through the Special Olympics program. Debbie earned trophies in bowling and softball, but particularly excelled at roller skating. Boxes of first place ribbons document her skills at skate dancing, speed skating, and intricate figure skating.

Deb loved bright colors (especially screaming neon pinks and purples!), travel, parties, pets, music, dancing, and most of all, people. She loved everyone she met, and nearly everyone she met loved her right back. Her constant smile and happy disposition will be very much missed.

She is survived by her sister, Dr. Carol Vasconcellos of Norfolk MA, nieces Karen Durbin of New Jersey, Jessica Haire of Maryland, Amanda Hadad of Massachusetts, Rebecca Esteves of New York, and nephew Alan Hadad Jr. of Massachusetts as well as eleven grand nieces and nephews.

Deb's private funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Manuel Rogers Funeral Home, 1521 N. Main St., Fall River, followed by interment in St. Patrick's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Debra's name to the Arc of Massachusetts or the Alzheimer's Association would be deeply appreciated.