Obituary: Deborah Alice (Bryson) Lietuvninkas, 64

From Spear Miller Funeral Home:

Deborah Alice (Bryson) Lietuvninkas (age 64) peacefully passed away Jan. 14, 2022, surrounded by her family.

She was born in Greenwich on Feb. 25, 1957, to Edith Patricia Bryson and the late James Macgregor Bryson.

Debbie grew up in Stamford and attended Westhill High School (class of 1975). She graduated with a bachelor of science degree in elementary education from Western Connecticut State University (class of 1979) but her focus was on early childhood education. She went on to work for Unquowa School in Fairfield as the head of their pre-k program as well as the school librarian, where she enjoyed working with students of all grades. Debbie worked for several years with Horizon’s, an enrichment program that provides additional educational services to economically challenged students in the Bridgeport area. She also worked for the Summer Science Camp at Sacred Heart University, teaching students the FUNdamentals of science as well as the human body.

Debbie devoted her life to her family and enjoyed life to its fullest. Most of her days were filled with playing games and giggling. The rest of her time was spent trying NOT to giggle! Her love for children gave her the knack for taking a room full of children and entertaining them; always using the opportunity to teach. Debbie’s selflessness always put others before her, which showed in her handwritten letters, her thoughtful gifts, and her genuine caring for those around her. Debbie mastered her Grandma Gourlay’s Scottish shortbread recipe, which became a staple for all family gatherings. She made sure the tradition continues for future generations by instilling that all shortbread tastes better when made with LOVE.

Debbie had an incredible passion for hockey and considers the Bridgeport Islanders (formerly Bridgeport Sound Tigers) as well as the AHL Hockey organization as her extended “Hockey Family." Nicknamed “Mama Tiger” by the Bridgeport Islander team, her mission was to support the team, the players as well as their families. Debbie was president of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers Booster Club and worked to support numerous local charities.

Debbie will be missed by her beloved mother, Edith (Patricia) Bryson of Nokomis, Florida; her devoted husband, Ray Lietuvninkas, of Stratford; her two loving sons, Brian (Mandy) Weber, of Middletown, and Andrew Weber, of Stratford; her cherished grandchildren, Flynn and Ryder Weber, of Middletown; her brother, Greg (Louise) Bryson, of Norwalk; her sister, Nancy (Brian) Jennings, of Stratford; her nieces, Melanie (Steven) Aptalides, of Danbury, Jaimee (Pete) Cavanna, of Norwalk, Jessica (Matthew) Kardamis, of Stratford, and Allison Chapman, of Stratford. She is also blessed to have a great-niece, Emily Aptalides, and was looking forward to the birth of another great-niece, Baby K.

The family asks to celebrate Debbie’s life by laughing daily. Walk through life with your head held high and a smile on your face; share positive encouragement through your actions. Always remember to cheer on the Islanders! We will be having a Celebration of Life on Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, from noon to 4 p.m. at Spear Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield. Please come in comfortable attire, hockey jerseys are welcome. Debbie always came to have fun; we expect the same.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity in Debbie’s name. The family will be making a donation in her honor to the NY Islanders Children’s Foundation as well as the American Cancer Society.

Debbie's Celebration of Life will also be live-streamed and can be viewed at client.tribucast.com/tcid/8584809191.