Debra J. Sheldon

DANVERS – Ms. Debra J. Sheldon, 68, of Danvers passed away suddenly on Monday, June 20. She was born in Danvers, the daughter of William and Joan (Moreau) Standley.

Ms. Sheldon was a lifelong resident of Danvers. She attended Danvers High School where she graduated class of 1971 and went on to attend UMass Amherst. Debra worked various positions as an account rep. at Verizon for over 35 years, before retiring in 2008.

Debra was known to be a strong woman. She battled Mesothelioma in the final 5 years of her life and in doing so helped push forward advances in new treatments. Recently she was declared in remission.

Debra was tirelessly and selflessly dedicated to her family and loved spending time with them, especially her beloved grandchildren with whom she had a particularly special bond. She could be seen at various activities being their loudest cheerleader. Debra was an avid fan of professional sports, especially tennis, and was delighted to recently witness her favorite player, Rafael Nadal, win his latest French Open.

Debra is survived by her children; Jonathan Sheldon and wife Meredith of Danvers, and Elizabeth VanLandingham and husband Adam of Manchester, NH, as well as grandchildren; Belle, Declan, Elise, and Sabine.

Debra was pre-deceased by her Sister Susan Phillips and husband Steven of Dexter, ME, and survived by her brother William Standley and wife Karen of Braintree, MA, sister Lisa Moore and husband Jeff of Exeter, NH and sister Kim Chafe and husband Gordon of Newton, NH, as well as her beloved niece and nephews and their families.

ARRANGEMENTS: There are no services scheduled at this time. Debra’s family will be holding a celebration of life at a later date with burial to be held in North Beverly Cemetery. Assisting the family is O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals - Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (rte. 62) DANVERS. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Beverly Hospital Oncology Clinic, 85 Herrick St., Beverly, MA 01915, Attn: Karin Leppanen. To share a memory, or offer a condolence please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com

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