Deborah Dey Kruse

Deborah Dey Kruse, 86, of Rivermead Road in Peterborough, and formerly of Jaffrey, passed away quietly early Tuesday morning, January 16, from complications of Alzheimer's disease.

A native of Wellesley, Massachusetts, she came originally to Jaffrey in the 1920s as a summer visitor to her grandfather's cottage at Thorndike Pond. She entered Wellesley College at age 16, but had to withdraw during her sophomore year when her father died. While working at John Hancock Life Insurance in Boston, she met Raymond Kruse of Philadelphia, who was an officer at Boston Navy Yard in Charlestown at the time. They were married in 1943, moved to Jaffrey in 1979, and celebrated their 61st anniversary before Mr. Kruse passed away in 2005.

Mrs. Kruse is survived by a brother, K.V. Dey, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; three children: Stephen of Lexington, Massachusetts; Martha Sloss of Charlotte, North Carolina; and Katie Burke, of Mill Valley, California; and by two granddaughters, Kathryn and Molly Whitt of Charlotte.

As a housewife, she was usually busy, but found time to volunteer at hospitals, manage church book sales, deliver Meals on Wheels, and in her later years, host 3-day New Years parties and travel the world with her husband. An avid tennis player, her name appears on several plaques at the Thorndike Club. She was a member of the First Church of Jaffrey.

Known for her sunny spirit, Mrs. Kruse had many friends, and was always concerned that anyone she met have fun, no matter what you do. Even in later years with Alzheimer's disease, she was a favorite at Rivermead, because she was always in a good mood. She loved to sing, dance, and listen to music.

A memorial gathering is being planned for the afternoon of February 4th. Cournoyer Funeral Home in Jaffrey is handling arrangements for the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Temple Band at P.O. Box 66, Temple, NH 03084.