Debra Starbranch Kirby

Born in New Haven, Debbie was the beloved daughter of John Edward and Ruth Jacobson Starbranch. She is survived by her devoted husband, Chester Kirby; her children, Gregory and his wife Paulina Kirby of Boston, MA, and Lynsey and her husband Chandler Williams of Cambridge, MA; and her sisters, Lisa Carruthers and her husband Mark of Tiverton, RI, and Nancy Bailey of Clinton, CT. Deb was predeceased by her parents, John and Ruth Starbranch, and brother-in-law, George Bailey.

After an early childhood in Hamden, Deb moved to Madison, CT, where she grew up and graduated from Daniel Hand High School in 1978. She then earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Rhode Island in 1982, where she met her husband Chet. After they got married they lived in Warwick, RI before returning to Madison to raise their family.

Deb began her career as a mortgage officer. After taking time to raise her children, she returned to the residential mortgage industry before transitioning to wealth management at CTMA and Grey Ledge Advisors. Deb was a dedicated and proud mom, heavily involved in the school and extracurricular activities of Greg and Lynsey. Outside of work and motherhood, Deb had many passions: gardening, golfing with friends, knitting with her "WNKers," and cheering on the Boston Red Sox. She found daily joy in reading and never missed her word games. She enjoyed her backyard pool, cherished annual trips to Hilton Head Island, and loved walks on the beach hunting for sea glass, sea shells, and heart shaped rocks. A dedicated dog lover, she spoiled her yellow labs, Bristol and Savannah, and her grand-dogs, Trilly and Rooney.

Deb will be remembered for her kind, generous spirit, humor, and boundless love for friends and family.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses for the care and compassion they showed Deb over the last few years. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to A Place Called Hope or Smilow Cancer Hospital.

Family and Friends are invited to attend calling hours on Thursday, June 26, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Swan Funeral Home in Madison, CT.