SAUGUS — Debra Dion Faust died Aug. 7 at the age of 73. She has been remembered for her work as a High School English and Theater Teacher, as well as her involvement in various organizations.
Dion Faust taught English and theater and served as a drama advisor at Saugus High School from 1979-1981. She was a writer, involved in the Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild, the National Council of Teachers of English, a member of the Massachusetts Teachers Association, and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.
In 2019, Dion Faust received the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award and was named Saugus Woman of the Year for her contributions to the community.
The Theatre Club of Saugus made a post in remembrance of Dion Faust, stating, “Deb’s relationship with TCS was one of support and excitement for our shows and youth programs. She was pivotal in helping us thrive year after year.”
The post continued to note that she was an advocate for the program, going to shows and offering “little critiques as any theater teacher would.”
Dion Faust had been the organization and facility manager for TCS.
The Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild also spoke highly of Dion Faust in their post remembering her, calling her an essential part of the METG, “serving as an educator, director, Council member, Guild officer, trustee, and devoted treasurer.”
They continued to say she had been a passionate advocate for the arts, a tireless volunteer, and “a constant source of laughter and joy.”
Dion Faust is survived by her husband Joseph E. Dion, two daughters, three granddaughters, and her sister.
Donations in Dion Faust’s memory can be made to the American Heart Association at heart.org or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at danafarber.jimmyfund.org.
