Deborah A. (Bryson) Lietuvninkas

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

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

Debbie grew up in Stamford CT and attended Westhill High School (Class of 75’). She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Western CT State University (Class of 79’) 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, January 30, 2022, from 12 to 4 pm at Spear Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield CT.  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 livestreamed and can be viewed at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/8584809191