Who is Aunt Deborah from The Winter of Our Discontent and what is their importance?

Ethan's mother died when he was young, so his Aunt Deborah was the only significant female in his childhood. She is now deceased, but Ethan thinks of her often. She inspired creativity and curiosity in young Ethan's life, by the use of magical words and cultivating his imagination. She is represented in the plot by the talisman which is treasured so much by Ellen and Ethan.