Debora Fern Arthur

Debora Fern Arthur, 77, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2026, at her daughter's home, surrounded by her loving family. Born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1948, in Wilmington, Delaware, she was the daughter of Eugene Arthur and Louise Arthur. Debora spent her early childhood in Hacks Point, Maryland, before moving with her parents to New Castle, Delaware.

Family was the center of Debora's world. She was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend who dedicated her life to caring for and supporting those she loved. She was a homemaker while raising her children and volunteered in the kitchen at Our Lady of Fatima School. Later, she worked in retail, at Avon Products, and with Rotech in Pennsylvania, where she formed many lasting friendships through her kindness, dedication, and strong work ethic.

Growing up, Debora enjoyed music and proudly played the saxophone in her school marching band. She loved horses, flowers, gardening, and spending time outdoors. She enjoyed dining out, visiting Rehoboth Beach and Lancaster, and exploring small shops and boutiques. She also had a passion for jewelry, purses, and collecting scarves and hats. She loved decorating the home she shared with Joe and creating a warm, welcoming place for family and friends. She found joy in watching the birds and deer in their backyard and feeding the foxes that visited over the years. One of her greatest joys was dancing, and it was through dancing that she met her devoted life partner, Joseph DeFrank. Together they shared more than 30 years of love, companionship, laughter, and cherished memories.

Nothing brought Debora greater happiness than spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whose lives filled her with pride and joy. Each of her grandchildren held a special place in her heart, and she cherished the unique relationship she shared with each of them. She will be remembered for her caring heart, warm smile, unwavering strength, and the unconditional love she gave to her family.

Debora was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene Arthur and Louise Arthur; her former husband, Francis Veltre Sr.; her infant daughter, JoAyna Veltre; her sister, Denise Sardonyx Fuller; and her brother, Richard Fell.

She is survived by her devoted life partner of more than 30 years, Joseph DeFrank; her children, Diana Hill (Ron), Carolyn Douty (William), Francis Veltre Jr., and Kristine Veltre; her grandchildren, Andrew, Taylor, Brandon, Joey, Kali, David, Hailee, Delaney, Kamryn, Madisyn, and Kayden; her great-grandchildren, Sailor, Zoe, Easton, and Rhys; her sisters, Sandra Clardy and Carol Jarman (Charles); her brothers, Kenneth Fell (Paula), Barry Fell (Deborah), and Andrew Arthur; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday June 10, 2026, at 12pm at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 9th and Dupont Streets, Wilmington.  Family and Friends are invited to a visitation starting at 11am.  Interment will be held privately and at the convenience of the family. 

In honor of Debbie's love of flowers and gardening, the family welcomes flowers or planters in her memory. The family kindly requests that flowers not be sent to the church. The family is grateful for all expressions of sympathy and remembrance.

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