Debra L. Wentorf, 63, of Johnsonville, NY, passed on February 16, 2025 due to an aggressive cancer, a day before she was to return home under hospice care.

She never met her biological parents, allegedly a professor and his student, and was the only child raised by Irene and Robert Jones, formerly of Johnstown, NY. She attended SUNY Potsdam and completed a degree in Computer Science, but modestly said she studied too little and partied too much. She felt a failure, as her first job was data entry for NY State. Hired by RPI as a computer operator for the engineering Center for Interactive Computer Graphics, she was encouraged to enroll in the Technical Writing master's degree program, and after completion was promoted. She always wanted to be a writer, but technical communication was a good compromise. As campus computing and information evolved over the decades, she assisted and was known to many other departments. She found a happiness in her work which eludes many, all proving that second chances can work.

Deb is survived by her husband of 38 years, Rolf Wentorf, and a cousin, Laura Clark. Her parents predeceased her. She volunteered at the local chapter of the New York State Forest Owners Association, the Johnsonville Ambulance, the local VFW, and other charities. She was an avid fan of the band Genesis, interviewed keyboardist Tony Banks, and loved animals, the Adirondacks, independent films, and taking walks. In lieu of a donation, do something nice for an animal. A reception at her home is planned for a weekend this Spring, and will be announced later.