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Deborah O'Leary Obituary
Debby was born in North Adams, Massachusetts and lived in Wilton, New Hampshire, during much of her childhood. Debby earned a B.A. in Fine Arts from Emerson College and an M.A. in dance from Mills College in Oakland, California. She taught dance at the University of Connecticut, as well as studios in the Seacoast area.
After an injury took her away from her dance career, she became a sculptor, creating figurative works that she described as symbols not only of positive energy, but also the devotion and discipline born out of love, which allows us to soar. Debby exhibited her work locally and every summer at the New Hampshire League of Craftsmen Annual Fair, where she won the Best in Show for bronze sculpture in 2011.
Debby leaves husband Michael and sons Aidan and Danny of Greenland, sister Diana Breed of Needham, Mass and late brother Bob Homer of Laconia, New Hampshire. Deborah also leaves siblings-in-law the late John J. O'Leary and Patricia Cepeda of Washington D.C., James and Vicky O'Leary of South Windham, Maine, Richard O'Leary of Limington, Maine, Kevin and Tiki O'Leary of Portland, Maine and Dr. James and Peggy Powers, of Falmouth, Maine. Debby leaves many nieces, nephews and cousins, as well many new and old friends who have been touched by her extraordinary generosity of spirit, humor, energy and love of life.
The family wishes to thank the Hospice Services of Rockingham County and the local community of artists and friends who supported Debby over the past year.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Seacoast Family Food Pantry in Portsmouth, 7 Jenkins Ave.
A celebration of Debby's life will be held in October at Sanctuary Arts in Elliot, Maine.
Visit www.fosters.com/obits for an online guest book.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Deborah O'Leary
Anne Strout
September 10, 2024
Your beautiful little sculptured horse rides with me in the car, a daily reminder of your grace and beauty. You are so missed, Deb .
Anne Strout
September 10, 2023
You are still a Force, and everytime I am in my studio, we talk and celebrate all the things you loved so much. You are remembered as a beautiful creative spirit, who will always live on in our hearts.
Anne Strout
September 10, 2020
Deb was a beautiful person. Her picture is in my studio andshe encourages me to keep on creating. Her family must miss her terribly.
Anne Strout
September 10, 2019
Your beautiful spirit remains alive in the vibrancy of the fall . You are missed.
Deborah Langlois
September 24, 2012
I am so saddened by Deborah's death. My condolences to her family at such a difficult time. I knew her at the Mill Pond Center in Durham where she was a dance instructor and more recently at zumba in Newmarket. I will always remember Deborah's sense of humor and beautiful smile. She will be missed.
Anita Kimball
September 23, 2012
Words somehow do not seem adequate to describe, and pale in comparison to the beauty and grace that was Deborah. While her physical presence will be sorely missed, her spirit of creativity, laughter, love, and poetry-in-motion will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Deborah truly touched the heart of everyone she met – even if you only met her briefly, as was the case with me – yet she left a lasting impression of kindness and decency that could not be denied. Grace emanated from every ounce of her being, and I will always remember and shall never forget her brilliant smile and kind heart. May God's blessing of peace be upon all whose lives so lovingly intertwined with Deborah's, and may He keep you in His magnificent presence forever.
Bill Cramer
September 21, 2012
Dear Michael, May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Debbie, was a wonderful person always know that you and your family are always in our thoughts and prayers.
Warmest Regards,
Sarmantha Montgomery
September 17, 2012
Dear Mike,
God has given us the ability to remember our loved ones long after He has called them home. May you find comfort now as you reflect back on all of those wonderful memories that you and your boys have made with Deb. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your boys during this most difficult time.
I am so lucky to have some of Debbie's sculptures in my home- where I can feel her energy and remember her funky vibrance.
Susan Fusco-Fazio
September 17, 2012
anne strout
September 16, 2012
"Art is all about energy and light,and it all comes from one Source.we are all,i believe,here to create" deborah homer o'leary
and now,our beautiful friend,creator,woman warrier,will forever be missed,but will live on as an energy source for so many....
Heidi Reilly
September 16, 2012
Mike, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family during this difficult time.
Lisa Toole
September 16, 2012
The light, kindness and open spirited nature of Deb was palpable from the first time I met her. A kinder person and more creative sole, I have rarely met. Your spirit, your energy and your zest for life will be sorely missed Deb. But you will be remembered and celebrated in all of your beautiful sculptures and mobiles. Rest well. Hope to see you again one day!
The Three Artsketeers -- Deborah, Ross and Anne, who loved each other and shared marvelous moments together.
September 16, 2012
Deborah O'leary is for me the absolute essence of the creative spirit -- of a woman who couldn't not help but create because creativity -- the drive to express herself -- was in her blood and in her soul. Like all truly creative people, she believed in peace and love, not violence and insensitivity and cruelty. She was -- and will ever remain -- the antithesis of the mean-spirited people of the world. Gentle, thoughtful, compassionate, funny, insightful -- unspeakable beautiful, inside and out -- this is the Deborah Homer O'Leary I remember and will cherish. And she loved her sons Danny and Aidan -- and of course her husband Mike -- unconditionally. In the 16 months I've had the pleasure of her friendship, she did something that few people have so effortlessly done for me, she improved me and helped me grow and feel better about the world. I wonder if anyone could ever ask for more than this from a friend? Anne Strout and I were with Deborah the Three Artsketeers, and never a closer bond between friend s has been forged. -- We love you and miss you, Deborah! -- Ross Bachelder
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