60, of Cranston, RI, passed away peacefully Friday, April 14, 2017, surrounded by her loving family.  Debra will be dearly missed by her husband of 39 years, David Lancia; her children, David Lancia Jr. and wife Stephanie Lancia, Julie (Lancia) Fogel and husband Joshua Fogel, and Marc Lancia and wife Renee Lancia; and her adoring grandchildren, Gabriela Lancia, and Hailey and Emma Fogel. She is survived by her loving parents Eugene and Claire (Curry) Matteson of Cranston, RI.  She will be forever cherished by her two brothers, Stephen Matteson and wife Audrey Matteson, and John Matteson; as well as her many nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.

Debra’s spirit and smile lit up a room the moment she entered and she could easily start a conversation with anyone.  She touched many lives and inspired countless people, not only her family and friends but also her colleagues and students at Park View Middle School and across the Cranston Public Schools system where she was a math teacher/coach for nearly 20 years. She loved teaching her students the joy of solving a math problem, shopping with her friends, helping anyone decorate their home, planning a party at a moment’s notice, and the simple joy of always being there to support everyone you love and anyone in need. Debra was devoted to her family, friends, and work; selflessly putting others before herself.  She treasured every moment she spent with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren.  Debra will be forever remembered for her loving and peaceful nature, compassion for others, and overwhelming inspiring goodness.  Her spirit will watch over all of us and she will be with us always.

Funeral from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Ave., Cranston on Thursday at 9:00 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St. Mark Church, Cranston. Burial will follow in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. VISITING HOURS will be held on Wednesday from 4:00 – 8:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Debra Lancia to support cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston MA 02284 or via www.dana-farber.org/gift.

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