Deborah Jane Grant Henault, RN, 55, of East Hampton, CT passed away at St. Francis Hospital, Monday December 26, 2011. She is survived by daughters Samantha Jane Chapman of East Haddam, wife of Jason Chapman, and by Elizabeth Alexandra Henault of East Hampton. Deborah is survived by her mother Arline Louise Herriott of Farmington, by her brother Arnold Jay Grant and his wife Eileen of Madison, by her brother Robert William Grant of Manchester, VT, by former husband Armand “Chuck” Henault of Moodus, and by her dearest friend Constance Kisluk, also of Moodus, CT.
Debi grew up in West Hartford. Early in her career she established “The Little Schoolhouse,” a day care center in Marlborough. A graduate of the Ona M. Wilcox College of Nursing at Middlesex Hospital, Deborah served as the head nurse for the Jack Jackter Elementary School in Colchester for several years. Most recently Deborah was a consulting nurse as an employee of DDN Consulting Services of Hamden, CT.
Debi loved nature and the outdoors. During warm months Debi kept a kayak in her car for impromptu trips on the Salmon River. She loved sailing and hiking. During 2007 she completed a 26.2 mile walking marathon in San Diego in memory of her student who died of Lymphoma. This year, while in NYC for medical treatment, she walked for hours each day on the High Line Trail and throughout the city. One of Debi’s passions was yoga; she was especially devout in her Bikram yoga practice.
A gentle, yet strong and self-sufficient woman, Debi showed great determination and courage during the final year of her life, always focused on the well being of her beloved daughters Samantha and Elizabeth.
The family wishes to thank the medical professionals and care givers at NYU Langone Medical Center, Hope Lodge New York City, St. Mary Home and St. Francis Hospital. We are especially grateful for the kind thoughtful care and guidance provided by Dr. Lorraine Trow.