BRUNSWICK – Debra Ann Cyr, 57, passed away Sept. 27, 2011, at with her family by her side, Parkview Hospital after a year and a half-long battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born Sept. 9, 1954, in Omaha, Neb.
Debra resided all over the world with her parents and sister – from Alaska to Japan – before settling in Maine. She graduated from Caribou High School and the University of Maine at Presque Isle. Debra spent her life devoting herself to children and adults alike born with mental and physical disabilities. She taught at Pineland Center for 10 years, Laura E. Richards School, Gardiner, and worked for the state of Maine in social services. She also taught at Teaque Park School, Caribou, and an elementary school in Van Buren, where she met her husband, Glenn. She and Glenn were married Aug. 6, 1976, in Van Buren. Debra enjoyed collecting jewelry, hitting garage sales, watching television, and she never missed a Stephen King novel when it was released. An avid Red Sox fan, she delighted in seeing not one but two championships won in her lifetime. While battling her illness, Debra turned to gourmet cooking as therapy. Her sense of humor, straightforwardness and resourcefulness will sorely be missed by all who knew her. She touched many lives.
She is survived by her husband; and their two daughters, Alison Cyr and Kay Kessler. She also leaves behind her parents, Joseph and Leila Doubek; her sister, Lana Jo Doubek; son-in-law, Steve Kessler; two grandsons, Joseph and Jacob, whom she loved dearly; a Jack Russell terrier named Mick; and an extended family of nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. She also made many valued friends and colleagues through her life.
Per Debbie’s wishes, there will be no memorial services or wake. Her family will celebrate her life with food, music and laughter at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Oncology Center at Parkview Hospital, Brunswick.