“Debbie” Jean Taylor (Dazelle),64, (1962-2026) of Westfield, Massachusetts, passed away on June 18th, 2026, at Baystate Medical Center, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born on March 12th, 1962, in Westfield, Deborah was a lifelong resident of the community she called home. She was the partner of Kenny Taylor, with whom she shared many years of companionship, and family.
Deborah dedicated her life to hard work and providing for those she loved. She worked from the time she was able until her retirement in March of 2026. Over the years, she held several jobs that reflected her strong work ethic and determination, including Old Colony Envelope, Sodexo at Westfield State University, Dunkin’, and most recently as a cook at The Bubble Mug at the Pottery Cellar. No matter the role, she showed up with commitment, pride, and resilience.
She was a devoted and loving mother to her children: Christina Lafreniere (Seibold) and her husband Gil Lafreniere; Jessica Tortorici (Seibold) and her wife Nikki Tortorici; Heather Gresty and her fiancé Tiffany; and Jennifer Gresty and her fiancé Mike Angotti. Her greatest pride and joy were her grandchildren, Isabella Lafreniere, Jacob Lafreniere, and Mason Tortorici, who brought endless light and happiness into her life.
She was predeceased by her Mother Alice Burt; her brothers Richard Dazelle and Robert Dazelle, as well as Grant Gresty, her longtime partner and the father of her children, who passed away in 1999. She is survived by her father Richard Dazelle of Ocala, FL, Patricia Mulville and her husband Brian of Westfield, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family who loved her dearly. Deborah also leaves behind her behind her dog Smokey and “grand dogs” Lillian, Charlie, Rosie, Archie and Joe who were a constant source of chaos comfort and companionship.
Deborah will be remembered as someone who would give anything to anyone, even when she did not have enough of her own. Her generosity, compassion, and selflessness defined her life and the way she cared for others. She was a lover of all types of seafood, especially her favorite, whole belly clams, and she found joy in the simple routines of life, crocheting blankets every day while watching the 22News and Judge Judy.
She had a quick wit and a love of humor, always finding a way to make people laugh even in difficult moments. Her family takes comfort in imagining her reunited with those who passed before her, sitting with a coffee, a cigarette, and something to laugh about, finally at peace and still telling her jokes in her own way.
In accordance with her wishes, Deborah will be cremated. There will be no calling hours or funeral service. Instead, her immediate family will honor her life with a private celebration of life gathering at their home, sharing her favorite seafood and stories in her memory.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Deborah’s memory through blood donation to the American Red Cross, and to cancer research organizations in hopes of helping find a cure.
Her memory will live on through the family she built, the love she gave so freely, and the countless lives she touched.
