Deborah (Gates) Staub

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Deborah Gates Staub on January 1, 2026. Deborah, known to everyone as Debbie, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, after a long and courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia. She was born on February 7, 1959, in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, the daughter of Nancy G. Gates and the late Harris R. Gates.

Debbie lived a life deeply rooted in faith, family, community, and a profound love for animals. At the age of four, she moved to Boxford, Massachusetts, where she was raised in the King’s Forest neighborhood. Her childhood was filled with outdoor adventures, close-knit friendships, and a lifelong bond with nature. She loved skiing throughout New England, climbing the White Mountains, boating on the lake, and exploring the Atlantic Ocean. Summers on Silver Lake in New Hampshire as a child, and then later in life at the family home on Thompson Lake in Maine - where she especially enjoyed waterskiing - were among her happiest times.

Debbie graduated from Marietta College in Ohio with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. While there, she was a member of Sigma Kappa and rowed crew on the Ohio River. Following graduation, she began her career as a computer programmer at State Street Bank. After spending time at home raising her two children - and her beloved horses, Joey and later Macho - she joined the Topsfield Fairgrounds as Finance Administrator.

Debbie was deeply committed to service. She volunteered extensively at her church, managing finances, caring for the grounds, and assisting at nearly every event, including helping bring live animals into the annual Christmas nativity. Her love for animals was central to who she was. She bred, raised, and trained golden retrievers and skillfully worked with horses from young colts to competition. In the mid-2000s, she showed her final horse, Macho, earning first place in Dressage while also placing in Cross-Country and Show Jumping. Debbie thrived outdoors - clearing horse trails, landscaping, or shoveling snow - nature was both her passion and her gym.

Debbie is survived by her devoted husband of 37 years, Timothy Staub of Boxford, MA. Their marriage was built on faith, loyalty, and deep dedication to one another. She is also survived by her beloved children, daughter Danielle Sopko, her husband Michael Sopko, and their son Simon Sopko of Framingham, MA; and by her son Curtis Staub and his wife Mikayla Staub of Plymouth, MA. She is further survived by her mother, Nancy Gates of North Andover, MA, her sister Elizabeth Clay and husband Bruce Clay of Boxford, MA, her nephew Nevin Clay of Seattle, WA, and her niece Emily Clay and her fiancé Daniel Dempsey of Charlestown, MA.

A service will be held on Saturday, January 31, at 11 am at First Church Congregational, 4 Georgetown Road, Boxford, MA. A reception will follow at the Family Life Center to honor and celebrate Debbie’s remarkable life. All who knew and loved Debbie are welcome to attend and share memories.

Debbie’s fierce love and care for those she held dear will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, sister, and friend, and she will forever remain in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, and to continue Debbie’s light in this world, the family kindly suggests donations be made to Windrush Farm, Place of Promise, or First Church Congregational, Boxford.

For florists or to share memories of Debbie with her family, please visit www.cgfuneralhomesgeorgetown.com

The Conte - Giamberardino Funeral Home, 14 Pleasant Street, Georgetown has been entrusted with Debbie's care.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.