Deerfield, Deborah Jean (Blasko) LaClaire – mother, sister, aunt, friend and caregiver – left this world for the next on Tuesday, August 25^th, 2015 in the loving company of family, after a valiant battle with cancer.

The youngest of five girls, Deb was born to UMass Campus Police Chief Red Blasko and wife Anna (Adamitis) of Amherst, MA in February 1962. Deb attended Amherst public schools, graduating from Amherst Regional High School in 1980. She then attended Greenfield Community College, receiving her Associates Degree in Nursing in 1982. 

A registered nurse for over 30 years, Deb was a caregiver through and through. Most recently she bettered the lives of residents and co-workers at Rockridge Retirement Community in Northampton, MA where she was warmly welcomed as a part of the family. Selfless, perseverant, thoughtful, generous and quick-witted, Deb brought joy and laughter into every life she touched. Family enjoyed her decadent cooking and endless generosity. Friends benefited from her altruistic nature and big-heartedness. Co-workers and patients received boundless kindness and compassion. Deb was there for anybody and everybody at a minutes notice with a shoulder to cry on and a kind word to encourage. The fullness of Deb’s life has created a series of ripples, which have radiated to untold ends influencing lives both here and now as well as into the future – not the least of which was encouraging, supporting and frequently feeding her daughter and friends, through nursing school. She loved easily and endlessly. To the moon and back. Forever and always. The world is better because Deb was here. She was the queen of hearts and quite a lot else. She will be missed forever by many. 

Predeceased by her parents, Deb is survived by her loving daughter and best friend Rebecca LaClaire Wolf, son-in-law, Darin Grant Wolf, beloved Labrador Casey and grand-dogs Cash and Chanook, all of Athol, MA. She leaves aunts Elizabeth Adamitis and Leona & John Napolitano in addition to her four sisters: Dotty & Ray Pascoe of Leverett, MA; Patsy & Fritz Williams of Montague, MA; Nancy & Jerry Stahlman of Lewisberry, PA and Elaine & Stephen Warren of Deerfield, MA. Deb is survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and close friends. Additionally, Deb is survived by her former husband Matthew Emid LaClaire of Leverett, MA and his family, which she was a part of for many years.  

Ever modest, Deb requested no formal services. A celebration of life will held at a later date to dutifully honor such a special person and exceptional life. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to The Buddy Fund at Dakin Pioneer Valley Human Society or to The Alzheimer’s Association.  Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com

Service details, Social networking, Memorial Guestbook and Slideshow are available here.