Deborah Ann Jewell

Averill Park- Deborah Ann Jewell, 75, passed away peacefully at home on December 13, 2024 surrounded by her family. 

Deb was fun loving and adventurous. She was always the life of the party and an inspiration to all who knew her. Deb was born on September 18, 1949 and was a lifelong resident of Averill Park, NY. She married the love of her life, Jim, in the Summer of ‘69 and they lived it all for 55 beautiful years. Deb began her career as an RN in the emergency room where she worked for many years learning the skills needed for a lifetime in the healthcare field. She continued her education, became a nurse practitioner, and concentrated her career on neurology and stroke recognition and treatment. Her thirst for knowledge and drive led to Berkshire Medical Center hiring her to create a renowned stroke center. She then went on to be the Stroke Coordinator at Albany Medical Center. She was sought out by many in the field and traveled far and wide as a National Stroke Association speaker and valued advisor for the Joint Commission. Her insightful articles were published in national medical journals. Deb organized the American Heart Association Walk at Tanglewood, volunteered at her church’s food pantry, and was always there to help a friend in need.

Deb’s love of life was evident to all who knew her. Whether she was playing golf, playing the bagpipes, or doing her legendary invisible hula hoop dance, her spirit shined. Deb and Jim spent years embarking on incredible journeys, exploring the country in their RV and traveling the globe - from the rugged landscapes of Nepal and Morocco to the exotic beauty of the Galápagos and Japan. Deb would return from their adventures and recount them in a way that let you picture yourself on the trip with them. After years of traveling, Jim and Deb spent their last few winters in the South playing golf and enjoying life. 

Deb loved walks with her friends, time with her sisters, Friday nights with the gang, being on Crooked Lake, and sitting quietly with a glass of wine. Time spent with her grandchildren - reading Blueberries for Sal when they were babies, strawberry picking and fishing when they were young, and Florida adventures in their teens - brought her much happiness. 

Deb was predeceased by her parents Mildred and Harold Gardner. She is survived by her husband, James Winsor Jewell, her sons and daughter-in-laws, Rob, Michelle, Michael, and Angel, and her three grandchildren, Caden, Carynne, and Kelly, her siblings Donna (Ray) Butterfield, Deanna (Bob) Christiansen, Daryl (Dave) Kolater, Jim (Ann) Gardner, Darcy (Danny) Mancino, and many nieces and nephews. 

After years of working in the field of neurology, it is ironic that Deb lost her life to an incurable and very rare brain disease - Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. Over the past few months, The CJD center in Ohio has been instrumental in helping the family during this difficult time. The family would also like to say a special thank you to Nicole, Melinda, and Krystal who have taken great care of Deb.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made at CJDfoundation.org or Communityhospice.org. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on December 21, 2024, 11:00 AM at the Brunswick Church (42 White Church Lane, Troy) with visitation with the family beginning at 10:00 AM. A reception will follow at the Crooked Lake House in Averill Park. Everyone is invited to celebrate Deb at one or both of these events. 

Visit www.perrykomdat.com for directions and a guestbook.