Debra Poplawski-Wilson

On Thursday December 17, heaven received Debra Poplawski-Wilson 57, the former resident of Rutland passed away peacefully at her father’s home in Mendon. She bravely fought Glioblastoma Brain Cancer for 43 months and was considered a long term survivor. The daughter of Eugene J. and Barbara P. (Grum) Poplawski she was born in Belleville, New Jersey on November 17, 1963. Early in her childhood, the family moved to Bridgewater, VT and after a few years in Bridgewater, finally settled in Rutland, VT Debra was a very active person her entire life. In her teen years as a student, she played Tennis and Ski raced and Varsity lettered for both. She was also active in Choir, Marathon, Honor society, Cheerleading, and other high school activities. She was also a member of the Pico Ski Club. She was also a familiar face at Pops’ Place, the restaurant owned by her family. After school, she participated in Rotary exchange program, which took her to Brazil. She said it was an experience of a lifetime and she learned fluent Portuguese while abroad. She also traveled Europe for a short time before coming back to Rutland. Once home, Deb renewed her educational goals and received her Bachelor of Science Psychology in 1986 and, upon attending on-line courses with the Phoenix University, she finally received her Masters’ degree in Psychology in 2010. Debs’ life was funny though and she laughed that she could do better in the restaurant business than as a psychologist. She worked in many restaurants and clubs over her lifetime as a waitress and bartender but most passionately as a pastry chef. The passion for baking led to what personified Debs life. Baking! Her passion for baking led to her operating four bakeries in the Rutland and Killington areas. Most recently, she operated Sweet Lovin’ Creations on Wales St in 2017 – 2018 before her cancer made it impossible to continue the shop. However, she also had a “home” bakery and was well known for her beautiful wedding, anniversary and birthday creations. Debra loved the outdoors and was a lifelong skier that raced in her early years and taught at the Killington Ski School. After her cancer diagnosis and closing of the bakery, she strived to ski 100 days a season at Killington, a goal that she accomplished 3 times in the last 5 years. She was at 84 days when Covid ended her season in March. Debra was also an avid kayaker, hiker, nature lover and had a “Green Thumb” for all of her indoor and outdoor gardens. Debra was also a loving, caring and devoted mother to her 2 children, Tamra Kaye and Madison (Madi) Claire Jaurigue. Madison was born with hydrocephalus. Madi’s care required constant attention, multiple surgeries, 3 shunts and numerous other items required for a special needs child. Unfortunately, Madi predeceased Deb on March 12, 2012. Tamra completed college and now resides in Texas. In 2015, Deb met George Wilson through and on-line dating service and they were immediately drawn to each other. Their abilities as expert skiers, outdoors junkies, kayakers, hikers, etc. drew them together and on October 1, 2016 they were married in Killington. Nine months later, they received the devastating news that her recent seizure was due to brain cancer. From that day forward, Deb and George attempted to do anything and everything Deb wanted. George repeatedly told Deb to “live life on your terms”. Deb was an active member of causes that were dear to her: • She was the creator and founder of the Madifund. A program that brings top neurosurgeons and other health care professionals from around the country to speak at UVM lectureship. This was established in honor and memory of her dear Madison. • She was active in the VT readiness group with the National Guard and one of few civilians to be honored by them. • Rutland Family support network • One of the creators of the “woodchip” parkway to divert traffic flow on RT 4 during tropical storm Irene • Parent to parent peer recognition • National Hydrocephalus Foundation • Fundraised for Madi’s room at the new Andrea Mead Lawrence Lodge – Home to Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sport center at Pico mountain • Mary Kaye Cosmetics Debra leaves her loving husband George Wilson of West Wardsboro, VT, Her father Eugene Poplawski of Mendon, Her Mother, Barbara Poplawski who predeceased her in August 2019, and Her daughter Tamra Jaurigue of Texas. Her sisters Donna Poplawski-Kreie of Texas, Denise Wall of Massachusetts, Deonne Myrick of Randolph Vermont, Karen Terry of Islip, NY, and Her brother, E.J. Poplawski of Salt Lake City, Utah, she also left Her close friends affectionately known as the Divas from the Saranac NY area, Numerous family of the heart from around the world and all of her friends and neighbors. A memorial service to recognize and remember Debra life will be held at a later date. Memorial gifts in her memory may be made to the Hydrocephalus Association www.hydroassoc.org