Deborah Nielsen
May 24, 1953 – May 31, 2025
BUXTON- It is with great sadness, we share the passing of Deborah Nielsen on May 31, 2025, at Maine Medical Center after many struggles with her health. She was 72 years old.
Born on May 24, 1953, Deborah grew up in South Portland, Maine, and graduated from South Portland High School in 1970. She earned her degree in English from Saint Joseph’s College in 1974, reflecting her deep appreciation for words, stories, and learning.
In 1985, she married Vincent Nielsen, her devoted husband and partner of nearly 40 years. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and the bustle of their food concession business, which traveled to fairs and festivals throughout the region.
Deborah was a beloved stepmother to Christine Nielsen and mother-in-law to Jon Sanborn, and she held a special place in the hearts of her grandchildren—Morgan Smith, Alex Smith, and Nicole Sanborn—who knew her lovingly as “Nonny.” She was Nonny not only to them, but to countless children she met through her many years of volunteer work.
Deborah gave freely of her time and talents. She volunteered in classrooms at Hollis Elementary and with the Bonny Eagle High School Drama department, sewing costumes, supporting students, and offering constant encouragement. She also worked closely with the Dorcas Society, raising funds for local children and schools, quietly changing lives with her compassion and drive. Deborah had a gift for seeing the overlooked and comforting the forgotten, children in need or lost always found their way to her, and she always found a way to help.
Deborah is survived by her husband Vincent Nielsen; stepdaughter Christine Nielsen and her husband Jon Sanborn; grandchildren Morgan Smith, Alex Smith, and Nicole Sanborn; her brothers Peter Quatrano (wife Maria) and Charles Quatrano (wife Brenda); her sister Melissa Doughty; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, John and Lorraine Quatrano; her brother John Quatrano; and her nephew Matthew Quatrano, whose memory she held close.
Deborah’s gentle spirit, fierce compassion, and quiet strength touched the lives of all who knew her. Her memory lives strongly in the many hearts she warmed and the children she guided.
A small graveside service will be held on Friday, June 13, at 2:00 PM at Brooklawn Cemetery in South Portland, Maine. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org, in honor of Deborah’s lifelong love for children.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Poitras Funeral Homes, www.mainefuneral.com