Debra S. Saunders

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Debra S. Saunders

HEBRON — Debra “Debbie” Sue Saunders, 59, of Hebron, passed away peacefully at her home Saturday, December 1, 2012 surrounded by her loving family following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Her strength during this difficult journey is an inspiration to many.

She was born May 6, 1953 at Camp Lejeune Naval Hospital, North Carolina, the daughter of Francis Gammon, Sr. and Lila (Knox) Bell. She graduated from Buckfield High School. She married Arlan Saunders on August 15, 1970.

She was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother and “Mamie.” Family and friends were her fuel. The joy of her life was her daughter, Dawn and two precious grandchildren, Elise and Lucas.

Her primary focus was being a homemaker; however her work outside of the home over the years included Walker’s General Store, Saunders General Store, cleaning houses, Hebron Academy’s Student Union and kitchen/cafeteria. She was a member of the John D. Long American Legion Post #58 Auxiliary.

She enjoyed bird watching, her flower gardens, crocheting, craft projects, collecting “cute” pigs and cooking. Her famous popcorn balls at Halloween will be missed by many. A visit at home with a cup of coffee was very important to her. Her passion for simplicity kept others grounded. She never wanted to be the center of attention. She’ll be remembered for her hard work, honesty, selflessness, dedication, strength, playing devil’s advocate, paying attention to detail and having the final word.

Most important to her was spending time with family and friends. Memories will be cherished of the 29 years spent at Wells Beach with the “Golden Girls,” spending time at Twitchell Pond, Abbott’s Anchorage, Hebron Academy, Storekeepers and most recently a trip to Loon Mountain.

Ms. Saunders is survived by her mother, Lila Bell, of Buckfield; Arlan of Greenwood; her daughter Dawn and husband Eric Blackstone and grandchildren Elise and Lucas, all of Raymond, NH; brother, Butch Gammon of Livermore; sister, Vickie Gammon and partner Jean Littlefield of Buckfield; half-sister, Kathy Swett of Skowhegan; brothers-in-law, Rodney Saunders of Hebron, Andrew and wife Pauline Saunders and sister-in-law Cheryl Saunders, all of Buckfield; nieces and nephews; great nieces and great nephews; many special cousins, aunts, uncles, special friends and longtime companion, “KoKo” her cat. She was predeceased by her father, Francis Gammon, Sr.; step-father, Garland Bell; mother-in-law, Eleanor Saunders; father-in-law, Ashley Saunders and brother-in-law, John Saunders.

She will be missed by her family, many dear friends and lovingly remembered as “Mamie” by her grandchildren.

Private graveside services will be held. A celebration of life gathering will take place on Sunday, December 9 at 1 p.m. at the Hebron Elementary School, Station Road Hebron. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations be made to the Debra Saunders Scholarship Fund, c/o Dawn Blackstone, 11 Juanita Avenue, Raymond, NH 03077, to help a Hebron resident pursue an education as she has had an impact on generations of Hebron youth through the years. Arrangements are under the direction of Chandler Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, 45 Main St., South Paris. Online condolences may be shared with her family at www.chandlerfunerals.com.