Deborah Jane Doktor

Deborah Doktor, age 74, passed away on July 25, 2023 after a long battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Debby was born and raised in Paterson, NJ, one of three children of David and Charlotte Doktor. She graduated from Eastside High School and Elmira College. Debby was devoted to all of her family both immediate and extended. She leaves her husband of 51 years, Marc Fisher, two sons, David Fisher and his wife Yoko Matsumura and Matthew Fisher and his wife Stacey Fisher, and four grandchildren, Ari Fisher, Zachary Fisher, Evan Fisher, and Naomi Fisher. She also leaves her sister, Amy Doktor. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother Alan Doktor.

Debby lived a full life that reflected her desire to always pursue new interests and be open to new pathways as a way of fostering happiness. She was the most extroverted self-proclaimed introvert that you could ever meet. She was ready to talk with anyone and could make instant connections that put everyone at ease. Debby enjoyed entertaining for both family and friends, which allowed her to introduce new dishes and cuisines to everyone. She was famous for her New Year’s Eve parties, which usually included extravagant desserts. She instilled her passion for cooking and experimenting in her children and grandchildren, which included indulging many unusual requests.

Debby was a consummate teacher. She filled that role during her years teaching third grade and middle school at Solomon Schechter in Worcester, then was a mentor in her next role as a paralegal, and most recently through her leadership involvement with Understanding Our Difference. Outside of formal teaching roles, she dove into helping any child she interacted with, whether it was her own children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, or family friends. Everyone knew that Debby would be there to help with encouragement and insight.

Family and friends will gather for a Funeral Service on Friday, July 28 at 2:00 p.m. at Temple Beth Elohim, 10 Bethel Road, Wellesley. Interment will follow at Newton Cemetery & Arboretum, 791 Walnut Street, Newton Centre.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Compassionate Care ALS or Understanding Our Differences.