Deborah Lupacchino

Deborah (Mendes) Lupacchino, 70, of Southborough and Naples, Florida, died Jan. 27 at her home in Southborough.

She was the daughter of the late Raymond and Ann (Fusaro) Mendes and the wife of Frank Lupacchino.

Debbie graduated from Worcester State College in 1974 with a degree in elementary education before going on to earn her master’s in library science from Simmons College. She also taught as a school librarian at Center School in Hopkinton for several years.

Deborah devoted her life to being a loving wife and mother. Nothing made her happier than spending time with her beloved family, whether celebrating the holidays or embarking on family vacations to destinations such as Italy, Bermuda, the Bahamas and Barcelona. In her spare time, Deborah enjoyed gardening and playing mahjong, tennis and golf.  She also enjoyed taking trips with her 20 Group throughout the U.S. and Canada as well as visits to Cape Cod, Ogunquit, Maine, and Naples, Florida, where she settled with her husband later in her life.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her two sons, Steven of Brookline and Michael of Nashua, New Hampshire, and her brother, Joe Mendes of New Seabury. She also is survived by her aunt, Eleanor (Mendes) Strong of Huntington Beach, California, her uncle, Richard Mendes of Flat Rock, North Carolina, and several nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, Feb. 3, from 6-8 p.m. at the Morris-Johnston Funeral Home, 40 Main Street, Southborough. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4, at St. Matthew Parish, 26 Highland Street, Southborough. A private burial will be held at a later date.

Debbie fought a courageous fight for over 2 1/2 years with cholangiocarcinoma cancer.

Debbie’s family would like to thank Dr. David P. Ryan of Massachusetts General Hospital and all the nurses and support staff who cared for her through her treatment. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bile Duct Research, c/o MGH Development Office, 32 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114 or giving.massgeneral.org.

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