English Teacher in Providence Schools, Deborah Mary Klus, of Exeter, Dies at 68
Wednesday, December 15, 2021
Deborah Mary Klus, 68, born Deborah Mary Smith, a longtime Exeter resident, passed away peacefully on December 12th, with her loving, loyal and devoted husband of 30 years, Frank Klus by her side.
Born in Providence, Deborah was the daughter of the late Charles W. and Emily A. (Mascia) Smith, Jr.
Deborah is survived by her sister, Madelyn Teresa (Smith) LaPlume, her nephew and godson, Joseph William LaPlume, Esq. and his wife, Chiara Louisa Maria (Urbani) LaPlume, Esq., her nieces, Corinna Madeline Roberta LaPlume and Veronica Elizabetta LaPlume. She is also survived by her loving cousin, Michelle Denise Mascia, who Deborah regarded as a “second” sister. She was the maternal granddaughter of the late Louis and Madeline (Melillo) Mascia and the paternal granddaughter of the late Charles and Sadie Smith.
Deborah was an alumnus of James L. McGuire Elementary School and North Providence High School. She earned a B.A. degree from Providence College and her Masters of Education degree from Rhode Island College.
Deborah was an exceptional English teacher in the Providence School System. During her career spanning over 35 years, she cared deeply about and was beloved by her students.
At Classical High School, she was the faculty advisor for “The Brotherhood” which is an extracurricular Student Club. She was also the “Classical High School’ yearbook advisor. She served as a Board Member for “The Museum of Primitive Art & Culture” in Wakefield, Rhode Island.
Debbie’s passion for her students was undeniable. She was an advocate and a “Mother” for her female and male students. Many actually addressed her as “Mom”. Her love for students even involved buying prom dresses for female students. She would also keep a supply of food in her classroom for those students who had not had breakfast. Her generosity even included donations of winter jackets for those needing warm coats. She personally financed many classroom supplies for her class. Debbie was dearly loved by all; her family, her friends, her students, her teaching colleagues, and her neighbors. God Bless Debbie; she no longer has to suffer.
Funeral Friday at 8:45 am from the Russell J. Boyle and Son Funeral Home, 331 Smith St., Providence with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10 am in St. Augustine Church, 639 Mt. Pleasant Ave. Providence.
Burial in Quidnessett Memorial Cemetery, North Kingstown, RI.
Visitation Thursday from 3 – 6 pm.
Donations may be made in Deborah’s name to your favorite charity.
For online condolences and online condolences please see, Russell J Boyle & Son Funeral Homes.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Deborah, please visit the floral store.
