Deborah Ann Hall (Walto) died unexpectedly at age 70 in her home on January 29, 2026. She resided at 63 High Street in Housatonic. Deborah “Deb” was born at home in Foster, R.I., on June 4, 1955, to parents Anna Colavecchio Hall and William J. Hall, now both deceased. Deb was the youngest in a big family of six children.
Deb graduated from Pittsfield High School, received her Bachelor of Science degree from North Adams State College (MCLA), and went on to acquire a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Maryland. She was an accountant for many years before advancing to become the CFO at a nonprofit organization in the Berkshires. Deb was known for preparing taxes for those who hadn’t a clue. She was thorough and eased minds with her detailed work. She held many jobs over the years: at Community Health Program, Elise Farrar, and for private clients, all combining her love of numbers, math, and the use of her outstanding organizational skills.
Deb enjoyed crafts, among them designing and creating beautiful Victorian jewelry sold through Etsy under the business name of Zur Designs. She was also a great knitter! Everyone in her family has their “Deb Socks”—soft and roomy…a fun gift to receive each Christmas. Deb is/was always present at family celebrations and they cannot imagine the next one without her smile. Deb was a voracious reader: fiction, nonfiction, and she loved her Kindle. Deb was very competent with computers and the internet and often helped family out with issues. Her family will miss her in so many ways… every day. Her quiet, reassuring presence was a comfort and a gift. They will always cherish her memory.
Deborah was predeceased by her brother Richard A. Hall of Florida and three sisters: Judith Votolato of Narragansett, R.I.; Elizabeth Flynn of New Mexico and Rhode Island; and Catherine Oiumette of Johnston, R.I. She is survived by her older sister Patricia Hall Pellegrino of Lenox and her husband Franco; her Goddaughter and niece Lauren Pellegrino of Lenox; and her nephew Jeffrey Oiumette of Foxboro, Mass., and his wife Jennifer and their four children (Lucy, Lily, JJ and Frankie). She was very close to her nephew Chris, his partner Lisa Sanita, and her nephew Rob in Rhode Island. Deb leaves multiple nieces, including Erinn Flynn, who spent recent months in Lenox visiting with Auntie Deb, as well as many nephews, cousins, and friends. She will be greatly missed by all of our family, but they will keep her close in their hearts.
A celebration of Deb’s life will take place at Finnerty & Steven’s Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230, on Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 1 to 4 p.m. Please join the family in honoring Deb’s life. Donations in Deb’s memory may be made to the Berkshire Humane Society (of which she was an avid supporter) in care of Finnerty & Steven’s Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
The Berkshire Edge publishes obituaries free of charge. Submissions should include the deceased’s age and town of residence and be sent to obituaries@theberkshireedge.com by the relevant funeral home or morgue.
