Debra Ann Bourque

Debra Ann Bourque graced our world for 59 years as a beloved partner, sister, niece, cousin and friend passing away on February 15, 2016 after a long, courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Debra grew up in Enfield, Connecticut and graduated from Enrico Fermi High School. After serving in the US Army for three years as a Military Policewoman and Military Police Investigator, she relocated to the Albany area. She continued her military service in the Army Reserves and Air National Guard, retiring in 2008 with 26 years of service achieving the rank of Master Sergeant with the 109th Air Lift Wing in Scotia. Some of her assignments took her to Greenland, Antarctica and Kuwait. She worked at the Albany Job Corp from 1980 until 1983 when she completed the New York State Department of Correction Academy and worked as a Correction Officer at several correctional facilities. In 1986 she began working for the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services and was the first woman Senior Training Technician (Police) in the Bureau of Municipal Police. During her career she worked on many programs to include Security Guard Training, Police and Peace Officer Training and Law Enforcement Accreditation; and was instrumental as one of the Coordinators for the State of New York Police Officer Memorial and Remembrance Ceremony from its inception in 1993. She retired from the Office of Public Safety NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services as Administrative Supervisor after 28 years. Debra was the daughter of the late Marilyn and Joseph Bourque and is survived by her partner, Anne; four brothers, Daniel, Jeffrey, David and Robert; Uncle Ray and Aunt Brenda Bourque; cousins, Jane, Carol (Bill), Steven (Edie), Sarah, Rachel, and Darlene (John); her best friends, Gloria, Candace, Joan, Matthew, Joyce, Valerie and Sue; and Sydney, her loving and loyal dog. Debbie touched the lives of many, too numerous to mention. Debra will always be remembered for her strength and determination in life, love of travel and adventure and for always having projects. From tiling her foyer, laying hardwood floors, installing kitchen cabinets, cutting and installing crown molding, to spackling and painting; she did it all. She was an avid fan of the UCONN women's basketball team, the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots. Debra's wishes were to be cremated with no formal service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Debbie's name to the Jimmy V. Foundation for Cancer Research, Regional Food Bank and to local animal charities.