Debra E. (Ehlers) O’Connell, 63, of 3423 Colton Road, Canastota, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at her home.

She was born on September 28, 1962, in Cambridge, MA, the daughter of Patricia (Swan) Ehlers and the late William H. Ehlers.

Debra spent her early years in Tully, graduating from Tully High School in 1980, and Syracuse University in 1984 where she earned a bachelor’s degree in science; she later continued her education at SUNY Morrisville where she graduated with an associate’s degree in horticulture. She played soccer at both colleges.

On June 28, 1997, in Tully, NY Debra married Mark A. O’Connell. The couple shared their life together for over twenty-eight years.

As a career, Debra worked as a Nutritionist at WIC in Oneida, NY for over fifteen years. She had a deep love for the outdoors. She loved gardening, biking, and soccer. Her adventures took her on a bike trip from Syracuse to Nova Scotia. Towards the end of her life, she loved birdwatching on the porch, reading, and the greatest joy of her life, her kids Ethan, and Abby.

Surviving besides her husband, Mark; is a daughter and son-in-law, Abby and Joshua O’Connell Trujillo; a son, Ethan O’Connell; her mother, Patricia Ehlers; two sisters, Susan Ehlers, and Christina Ehlers; and an uncle, Fredrick Swan; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and her in-laws, including her mother-in-law, Peggy O’Connell; and her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Kevin and Marka O’Connell, Linda O’Connell, Dana O’Connell, Paul and Heather O’Connell, Amy and Dan Lerch, and David and Kristen O’Connell.

Calling hours will be held from 4 – 6 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026, at the J. Homer Ball Funeral Home, Inc., 201 James Street, Canastota. Her funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the funeral home. The Pastor Jeff Rogers will officiate.

In her memory, contributions may be made to the National MS Society, www.nationalmssociety.org with envelopes also available at the funeral home.