CARIBOU – Deborah D. Belanger, 53, beloved wife of Clarence Belanger, went home to be with God, March 19, 2007, in Caribou, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born Nov. 12, 1954, in Bangor, the daughter of Frank and Lela (Cochran) Rossi. Debbie was educated in the Caribou school system. She was a strong advocate for all animals. She contributed to many shelters and organizations for the care of endangered strays and took it upon herself to care for many in her own home. Her love for horses was unconditional. She was the proprietor of Belanger’s Tack Shop for many years and also gave riding lessons to several local and area adults and children. She also owned and operated Belanger’s Car Detailing for a number of years. Debbie also farmed with her husband, Clarence, for 34 years. She was a county supervisor for the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, where she served more than 100 farmers. She was a member of the Pine and Spurs Riding Club and the Community Emergency Response Team. She was a big NASCAR fan and Red Sox Fan. Debbie was loved and respected by all who knew her and will be sadly missed. She is survived by her husband, Clarence of Caribou; her father, Frank Rossi Sr. and his partner, Jane Hamma, of Bangor; and uncle, Louis Rossi and his wife, Lorraine, of California; aunt, Rosalie Edgerly of Ellsworth; cousin, Jessie and her husband, Robert Butler, of Ellsworth; and a sister, Michelle and her husband, Robert Bagley, of Glenburn and their children, Amanda and Benjamin; four sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Dorena and Reggie Johndro, Jeannette and Leo St. Peters, Joyce and Al LaFrancois, all of Caribou, and Karen and Ernie Hill of Denver; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and other cousins. Debbie will be remembered by the four-legged loves of her life, Shrimpie, Bosie, and Jasmine. She was predeceased by her mother and a brother, Frank “Skip” Rossi Jr. Friends may call 6-9 p.m. Thursday at Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir St., Caribou. A funeral Mass will be held 10 a.m. Friday, March 23, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with Fr. David Raymond, associate pastor, officiating. Spring interment will take place at Sacred Heart Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, friends who wish to contribute in memory of Debbie may do so through the Caribou Pet Rescue. Envelopes may be obtained through the funeral home.
DEBORAH D. BELANGER
