BARRE-Debra Jane Karvonen, 69, of Barre, Vermont, passed away on February 17, 2026 after a long illness.

Deb was passionate about so much - both what she loved and what she didn’t. She cared deeply about dogs, gardening, cooking, reading (especially mysteries), and crossword puzzles. She was a lifelong Democrat who was unafraid to share her convictions. Deb was a jack of all trades and a master of all trades and seemed to know something about everything. She never met a stranger.

She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Dr. Mark Heitzman, of Barre Town, and her daughter and son-in-law, Eliza Heitzman and Jake Davis, of Austin, Texas.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, her family requests that donations be made in her memory to the Central Vermont Humane Society.

Arrangements are in the care of Pruneau-Polli Funeral Home in Barre.

Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at: www.pruneaupollifuneralhome.com.