Deborah Jean Croteau

Her parents, Maurice and Beatrice (Jolly) Waling welcomed their daughter into the world on June 1, 1940, in Keene.

Deborah’s huge heart for helping others lent itself to working in the drug and alcohol field at the former Spofford Hall, in Spofford NH and later with Beech Hill Rehabilitation Center in Dublin, NH. She was a volunteer with Aids Services of the Monadnock Region, and in 2001 was awarded the Keene State College President’s Outstanding Women of NH award.

As a longtime member of St. James Episcopal Church, Deborah served on many lay ministries and was a founder and board member of the church’s thrift store and served as a member of the vestry. She was a key supporter of allowing a group that is now known as the Community Kitchen begin their ministry using the kitchen at St. James.

She enjoyed gardening, caring for her home and bird watching. She treasured family trips to Maine and walking on Moody Beach brought. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and taking frequent trips for a hot dog at her husband’s former business, Doug’s Dogs in Marlborough.

She will be greatly missed by many, including her children, Pamela J. Croteau of Keene, Charles F. Croteau and his wife Denise of Harrisville, NH; her grandchildren Peter D. Croteau of Carlisle, NY, Benjamin R. Croteau and his wife Savanna of Keene, William C. Croteau and his wife Tess Wild of Keene; his great-grandchildren Adeline Croteau and Vincent Croteau; and several nieces, nephews and extended family members. She will also be missed by Grady and Cooper, two children of friends that over the years she created a special bond with. Her husband of 64 years, Douglas L. Croteau, predeceased her on November 20, 2024. She was also predeceased by a brother Donald Waling, and a half-sister Ardith Crowe.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 11:00 am in the Woodland Cemetery, North Lincoln Street entrance, Keene. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mrs. Croteau’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org) 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 886, Hagerstown, MD 21741-0886.