Deborah L. Beardsley

SHORT TRACT — Deborah L. Beardsley, née Sonnleitner, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Thursday (June 4, 2026), in her home.

She was born Feb. 14, 1954, in Cuba, a daughter of the late Oliver and Violet Wilcox Sonnleitner. On Sept. 1, 1973, in the Short Tract Methodist Church, she married Thomas O. Beardsley Sr., who predeceased her Jan. 30, 2025.

A graduate of Fillmore Central School, Deb embraced every opportunity to pursue her passions. She took a two-week course on milking cows, which ignited a lifelong affection for the gentle rhythm of dairy life. Her hands brought care and dedication to Pop’s Dairy Farm in Castile, and later, she lent her skills to the Bennett Family, always nurturing the animals with tenderness.

Beyond her agricultural contributions, Deb served as a cafeteria aide at Fillmore Central School.

Deborah’s heart blossomed through her artistic pursuits; she delighted in painting, arts and crafts, bringing color and creativity into her world. Her soul found peace in the embrace of nature, particularly in feeding the deer and birds, cherishing the quiet presence of wildlife.

Above all, Deborah treasured time with her family — especially her beloved children and 11 grandchildren, whose laughter and warmth animated her home.

Her faith was a cornerstone of her being; Deborah loved her Savior, Jesus Christ, and carried His love in her heart every day.

Surviving are her children, Thomas (Kerri) Beardsley Jr. of Fillmore, Zebulin (Jaime) Beardsley of Short Tract, Jessica (Timothy) Walls of Redding, Calif. and Matthew Beardsley of Short Tract. Her spirit lives on in her 11 grandchildren; and she is cherished dearly by her sisters, Karen (George) Lucas of Dansville and Brenda Bivonia of Florida; along with many nieces and nephews who carry fond memories of her generosity and joy.

In addition to her husband and her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Pamela James; and brothers, Merlin Sonnleitner and Melvin Sonnleitner.

Family and friends may gather from 2 to 4 and again from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, June 28, 2026, at the Kopler-Williams Funeral Home, located at 21 N. Genesee St., Fillmore. Her funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 29, 2026, at the Fillmore Fire Hall, 24 S. Genesee St., Fillmore. Pastor Sam Wolcott will officiate. Burial will be in Short Tract Cemetery, Short Tract.

Memorials if desired may be made to Short Tract Fire Department or the Brooks Hose Fire Department.

Online condolences may be made at www.koplerwilliamsfuneralhome.com.