Deborah "Debbie" Smith

FARMINGDALE -- Deborah "Debbie" Smith, 56, died peacefully at home April 27, 2011, after a yearlong illness in the care of her two amazing sisters, Sue Colfer and Nina Beaucage, who gave up their lives to be sure Debbie's life would end with lots of love and dignity.

Debbie was born April 12, 1955, to Margaret and Edward Jewell at Augusta General. She grew up in Gardiner, then raised her children in Augusta.

Debbie's passion was for gardening inside and out, and Willie Nelson. She had a green thumb for bringing plants back to life or planting them in interesting containers such as tea kettles or even a child's drum set.

She always surrounded herself with family and friends. If she was not with them, she was on the phone gossiping. Her family and friends were very important to her. When she became a grandmother, her health was beginning to fail. However, that never stopped the kind of Grammie she was. She took pride in all her children and instilled many great memories and all who knew her will keep her spirit alive as they share them.

She is survived by seven children and their families: daughters Bobby-Jo Bechard and husband Daniel of Farmingdale and Samantha Smith and her companion, David Gomeau, of Sidney; sons Darren Smith and companion Alicia Berry of Winthrop, Daniel Smith and companion Nicole Randall of Augusta, Derrick Smith and companion Kallie Bryant of Winthrop, JD Smith and companion Alicia St. Pierre of Augusta; and baby boy, Tyler John Boivin, of Farmingdale; many grandchildren: Austin, Brandyn and Chase Bechard of Farmingdale, Alex Gomeau of Sidney, Dylan and Ava Smith of Augusta, Gabrielle and Uriah Smith of Winthrop, and a soon-to-be baby girl, Kaleeah Smith, of Augusta; sisters Susan Colfer, Nina Beaucage and Gina Holland; brothers Chuck Jewell and Craig Richards; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her mother, Margaret (Hunt) Jewell; and a son, who died at birth, Brandan Allen Smith.

At Debbie's request, there will be no services at this time. There will be a celebration of life to be announced at another time.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Debbie's memory to their local food pantries.

Arrangements under the care and direction of Dan & Scott's Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, ME 04976.