Debby Tait, who taught art and art history at public schools in Norfolk, Winsted, Colebrook and Barkhamsted, died on Feb. 8 in Montpelier, Vt. at the age of 84. She and her husband of 63 years, Colin Tait, who survives her, were longtime residents of Norfolk. 

Born Deborah Anne Blodget in New York City in 1934, she grew up in Darien, Conn., graduated from Smith College in 1956 and earned a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Hartford in 1980. In addition to teaching at elementary schools in the Northwest Corner and at Northwest Regional #7 High School, Debby lectured in art history at Northwestern Connecticut Community College. In the summers, she taught arts and crafts to generations of children and counselors at Camp Treetops in Lake Placid, N.Y., including weaving, sewing, quilting, knitting, hooking, drawing and painting.

Active in community affairs during her years in Norfolk, she was passionate about the Norfolk Land Trust, whose elegant logo she designed and whose nature trail behind Botelle School she helped lay out. A friend recalls how she always planted spring flowers on both sides of the stone bridge over the little stream meandering through Yale grounds. A keen naturalist, she curated the natural history display case that greeted visitors in the foyer of the Norfolk Library for many years.

In retirement, Debby taught classes, including the yoga class in the basement of Battell, and gave presentations to community groups and senior centers, both in Norfolk and in Montpelier.

 In addition to her husband Colin, Debby is survived by her brothers, Donald Blodget, Jr. and Henry Blodget; her sister, Katharine Blodget Fisher; her sons (and daughters-in-law), Rollinson Tait (Dorothy Higgin), Alexander Tait (Suzanne Borenzweig), and Trevor Tait (Jill Pralle); and her son-in-law, John McNally. Her daughter, Katharine Tait McNally, pre-deceased her. She is also survived by her six grandchildren: George, William, Bella, Emma, Nicholas and Avery.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Debby’s name to the Unitarian Church of Montpelier (mail to 130 Main Street, Montpelier, VT 05602 and include “memorial gift” in memo line) or to the Montpelier Senior Activity Center.