PORTER- Deborah J. Reed, 72, of Porter, ME, passed away peacefully at home on September 5, 2026, surrounded by her daughters, after a courageous battle with DLBC Lymphoma. She will be remembered with absolute love for her warmth, kindness, and the meaningful ways she touched the lives of everyone around her.
Born to Harry and Mildred VanWart, Debbie was raised as the second youngest of six siblings in Milford, CT. She attended the local public schools there, and enjoyed many years attached to her older sister Sandy’s hip before finding her way to Wakefield, MA where she married and raised three daughters. Debbie had a special knack of making everyone feel welcome on Woodville Circle – the door was always open, something always cooking, flowers always blooming, and kids coming and going. She was every classroom mom, PTO president, team manager, and ultimate cheerleader for hours at sweltering swim meets or in her bright red jacket freezing in hockey rinks. As her kids grew, so did Debbie’s love for fitness – where she found a new home at the local YMCA, ultimately becoming the fitness and wellness director. Always moving, if you couldn’t find Debbie at the Y or with her kids, you would find her running road races, bicycling all over town, or hiking through Breakheart. Debbie completed four marathons – two in Boston and one each in New York and Hawaii – and swears she only finished for the good snacks at the end. It may have actually been true, though; despite her tiny sizy, Debbie loved food – and happily enjoyed dessert before dinner whenever she pleased (to the delight of her grandkids!).
Debbie purchased her dream home in Porter, Maine 25 years ago with her husband Scott. She worked for many years as the Wellness Director of the Portland YMCA before retiring in 2016. She enjoyed being a part of the local community – regularly attending church at Riverside United Methodist, volunteering at the clothing barn, baking treats for fundraisers, and supporting local artisans and community events. She loved her property – listening to the birds, tending to her gardens, catching glimpses of wildlife, and watching the sun set over the mountains. She loved being outside – even during blackfly season – and excitedly waited every year for the snow… but only because one of her favorite activities was shoveling. She got many double-takes when she was seen cruising around on her Harley – all 95lbs of her – and proudly sported her “GRTKIDS” license plate on every Subaru she ever owned.
Debbie filled her home with love – and it was loved equally in return by Brady, Mason, Madison, and Maci. From baking and soaking in the hot tub, to zip-lining, building fires, and catching frogs; snowmen, fishing, kayaking, swimming at the pond, and sleeping in the tree-house (yes, even Grammy!) – these kids knew what unconditional love felt like when they were at Grammy’s house, and they spent every moment they could with her. Grammy never missed a milestone – from all the firsts to all the lasts and everything in between; football games, piano concerts, dance competitions, softball, baseball, and lacrosse, chorus concerts, school events, or simply just driving the kids to activities, she was there for it ALL – and the memories they made with Grammy will be forever treasured.
Debbie was a light – one that truly illuminated everything around her and brought joy to everyone she touched. She was intentional in living in the moment, finding a lesson in the hardships, and seeing the blessings this world has to give. After her diagnosis 19 months ago, Debbie made it her mission to do only things that brought her joy – and in doing so, showed everyone what it meant to live life with strength, conviction, and love. She smiled every step of the way – just “Debbie being Debbie” – never willing to quit. And even as she neared the end, Debbie constantly spoke about her gratitude – at the very worst of times, she was still thankful that her cancer forced us all to slow down, make more memories, and remember what truly matters in this world. She was a mom, a Grammy, a wife, a sister, a friend – and we are all better for having loved Debbie. She made this world a better place, and all she would want in her passing is for each of us to help do the same.
Debbie was preceded in death by her husband Scott Reed, sister Shelly Cantley, brother Ronald Van Wart, sister Audrey Faye, and her parents Harry and Mildred VanWart. She is survived by her children: Lisa Arakelian and husband Brian, Jessica Cox and husband Jaret, and Heather; her grandchildren: Brady and Mason Arakelian, Madison and Maci Cox, Dahrius Abdelnur and wife Angela, and Norah; and her sisters Sandy Valentine and Sheryl Rimar. She will be remembered forever in their hearts – and in the hearts of the numerous friends and family that she held dear.
At Debbie’s request, services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Debbie’s beloved church in her name, through an act of kindness. The church she attended was The Riverside United Methodist Church in Porter, ME.
Donations can be sent via Venmo or mail to:
Lisa Arakelian (Venmo @Lisa-Arakelian)
8 Ridgeview Terrace
Hampton, NH 03842
Or
Jessica Cox (Venmo @JessCox1)
39 Gilman Road
Buxton, ME 04093.
From her favorite rock: “When a friend is going through a storm, be the umbrella”. We will be each other’s umbrellas, Mom – and we’ll see you at the hummingbird feeders.
Online condolence messages can be submitted at the Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home website, www.mainefuneral.com