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BORN
1943
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
Deborah Tasker Obituary
Debbie leaves her loving family, her son John M. Tasker of Dover, N.H., her son Stanley F. Tasker (and his wife Sarah) of Sudbury, Mass., and three beloved grandsons, Kyle M. Tasker, Ryan J. Tasker, and Matthew J. Tasker of Sudbury, Mass.
Debbie was predeceased by her parents, and by her loving husband Arthur C. Tasker.
Debbie grew up in Madbury, N.H. on her parents' dairy and agricultural farm which created a lifelong passion for gardening and the outdoors. She graduated from Oyster River High School in 1960, and Phi Beta Kappa from the University of New Hampshire with her BA in Political Science in 1964, and with her Masters in Elementary Education in 1967. After college she briefly went to work as an elementary school teacher, then left that role when expecting her first child. She re-entered the workforce after the birth of her second child with an entry-level volunteer role at the Dover Adult Learning Center.
Debbie "retired" 30 years later as the Director of the Dover Adult Learning Center after helping thousands of adults continue with their education and receive their GED, while making dozens of lifelong friends. Under her leadership, the Dover Adult Learning Center received numerous awards, including being recognized as one of the top six adult education programs in the United States.
Debbie then took on a 15-year role of bringing that same passion for adult education to the State of New Hampshire as the state's GED Administrator. Deborah's welcoming smile, kind heart, and amazing work ethic again impacted and helped improve the lives of thousands within New Hampshire. She left her role with the State of New Hampshire in her early 70s to enjoy her retirement.
Debbie and Art spent their life together in Dover, N.H. raising their two children and creating a beautiful home with incredible flower gardens. She loved visiting with her grandchildren as well as her many great friends. She enjoyed reading, writing heartfelt poems, and dominating the weekly New York Times crossword puzzle, but most of all she enjoyed the time spent with her husband.
Debbie and Art spent their retirement years in both Dover and Sarasota, Fla., and loved traveling, attending plays, and musical events together. She volunteered teaching English as a second language in both New Hampshire and Florida, and enjoyed making creative greeting cards for charity with her friends in Sarasota.
Debbie bravely beat breast cancer in 2017, but was ultimately unable to overcome a return of the cancer, along with a broken heart after Art passed exactly three-months earlier on March 25, 2020. Debbie and Art spent just the past three months apart in their 56+ years together.
There will be a small graveside service for the family now, and a celebration of life may be planned for a later time. Anyone who wishes is encouraged to make donations in Debbie's name to the Dover Adult Learning Center at https://www.doveradultlearning.org/support/friends-of-the-center/.
Please go to www.taskerfh.com to sign the online guestbook.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Deborah Tasker
Sponsored by Tasker Funeral Home - Dover.
Barbara Dorsett-Fieler
August 29, 2020
So very sorry to hear of Debbie's passing. So kind, gentle, smart--and funny as well--was she! I was fresh out of graduate school with little experience in teaching ESL, but she gave me a chance anyway when we shared our love of going beyond academics when getting to know students as individuals. She always encouraged me to step up career-wise in adult education as well, when I didn't always have the confidence. I really looked up to her. In the end, I became too disabled to carry on with my career in ESL, but she kept in touch to check on me and cheer me on in whatever I was doing. I'll never forget her kindness in remembering me and reaching out! Debbie, you'll be sorely missed! Much love to you in heaven, dear, sweet woman!--Barb
Marie Morgan
July 11, 2020
Below are comments I received when I shared Debbie's obituary with former colleagues at the NH Department of Education. There is no doubt that anyone who met Debbie, even for a few moments, was struck by her kindness and sincere interest in others' welfare. I know I will miss her greatly which makes me realize how much more her wonderful family will miss her. Marie Morgan
She was such a ray of sunshine in the DOE and never said an unkind word. How sad and how lovely that they could be together again so soon. Biddy Irwin
Biddy, you said it so well. Deb was such a kind, wonderful person. I liked being with her and just talking.... I'm sad, but the thought of her joining Arthur again is comforting. Gaye Fedorchak
Oh, how sad. I have such admiration and respect for Debbie. She touched so many lives and never wanted recognition for her many good deeds. She was one smart woman, kind and caring. I so enjoyed working with her. I feel for her family and all those who call her friend. Merry Fortier
So sad....she was a great lady with education always in her heart! What a love story too!
~Barbara Hopkins
Heartbreaking. I remember her warmth and kind smile. A gem. Lynda Elliot
She was a wonderful person, friend and colleague. I am a much better person for having known her and thankful that our paths crossed. Tam Feener
Roberta Vieira
July 7, 2020
I remember her from the DALC. She made such an impact on me in my teenage yrs. Such a loving and caring woman! Thoughts and prayers to her family at this difficult time. May she rest with the Lord in peace.
Jason Walker
July 6, 2020
I have only known them for a very short time. I lived across from them. I loved seeing them out in the yard working on their beautiful landscaping. I had the honor of talking to them both after they dropped off a Christmas basket with lots of home made goodies.
I could see them how they were so loving and caring to all. Dover has lost 2 wonderful people, that knew how to spread kindness around. They will be greatly missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
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Carol (and John) O'Reilly
July 6, 2020
John, Stan and children/family, I am so sorry for your loss(es). They don't make them like Art & Debbie anymore. Debbie was made of sunshine. I watched her shine at DALC (for my 5 years working there) on everyone who came into her view every day. She and Art are together again, but how very hard it is for you.
Brian Belkas
July 5, 2020
To John and Stan, I am so sorry for the loss of your mother... and father so soon before.
I have lived across the street from Debbie and Art for over 18 years. She together with Art, and his late brother Stan, were the most wonderful neighbors and friends.
I remember fondly the gift basket and card from Debbie and Art to my mother and I a few days after we moved in in 2002. Every harvest and Christmas they would bring baked goods and canned jellies and relish. It has been a joy to appreciate and admire their yard and garden every day, and to share waves hello and chats as we would come and go.
I will truly miss the friendships that we formed.
Brian
Perl O'Rourke
July 5, 2020
We are going to miss The Taskers DEEPLY. Not only themselves, but their beautiful property we had the good fortune to live across the street from. Always Loving in Our Thoughts, The O'Rourkes; Perley, Sharlene, Perlene & Tino Valpa
Denise Vachon
July 3, 2020
I send my deepest condolences to the Tasker family.
Mary Ann Cooper
July 2, 2020
I was blessed to meet and work with Deborah at the Dover Adult Learning Center, Such a joyful person to work with! And thento read more about her and her further contributions in your obituary brings blessing to the readers. Great sympathy to you -losing both parents so recently Mary Ann Cooper
Mary Ann
Penny Baker
July 2, 2020
I'd like to express my deepest sympathies to Debbie's family! She was an inspiring and caring woman that I am so honored to have had the privilege to know! May your loving memories help you through this difficult time.
Pati Frew-Waters
July 1, 2020
Such a delightful, loving and intelligent woman. Deb leaves having made the world a better place. May she rest in the arms of the Lord.
July 1, 2020
Debbie will be remembered for her significant positive influence on so many people's lives.
With our sympathy, Walter and Joan Hart
Bridget Barker
July 1, 2020
Debbie was lovely - kind, caring, wise, and full of happiness. She was inspiring and helpful to all in NH adult education. She remained involved through tutoring until her husband became very ill last summer. She is greatly missed.
Lauren Osowski
July 1, 2020
Debbie had a profound impact on me as I began my career in adult education in New Hampshire. She greeted everyone she met with a smile, treated everyone with kindness, and believed that all students were capable of success. I will always remember her, and what I learned from her, fondly. I send my deepest sympathies to her family.
Loren Pierce
June 30, 2020
John and Stanley and family.
So sorry to learn of Debra's Passing Totally shocked.
Katie Cash
June 30, 2020
John and Stan and families. Your mom and I were childhood friends attending Varney School together. I have wonderful memories of he at my birthday parties as well as playing in the family barn in Madbury. Boy, those horses had really broad backs! I know she will be missed in so many places. My condolences to your family for the loss of both parents SO close together.
Toby Arkwell
June 30, 2020
Stan and John, I'm so sorry for your loss. She has gone to be with your Dad and she's at peace. You're in my thoughts.
Elizabeth Fischer
June 30, 2020
Elizabeth Fischer
June 30, 2020
Elizabeth Fischer
June 30, 2020
On behalf of the Joe Parks Riverwalk Public Gardens, we are sad to hear of Debbie's passing. She worked for several years alongside her husband Art in the gardens transforming a steep slope into a lush bed of pachysandra. Our condolences to her family. Her spirit and energy will be missed !
Cathleen Gallo
June 30, 2020
While working at the Dover Adult Learning Center, I constantly witnessed Deborah helping the students make their goals realities. When the graduation ceremony for these students arrived, she amazed me with her ability to identify all the participants by name along with the individual talents they possessed without the need for notes. Deborah truly built a sense of community through her "hands on" willingness to offer her help. She was a genuine person devoid of pretentiousness.
Deborah will be missed by many, but she will be forever remembered for her enduring acts of kindness.
Pauline LaCroix
June 29, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Denise Whitehouse
June 29, 2020
Debbie hired me as a Math Teacher back in 1991. She was SO supportive to all her teachers in the field. Her smiling face, positive attitude and unwavering belief in all her adult students was evident every day and served as a role model for us educators. When Betsy Hackett passed away, she helped us through our loss. I would imagine that shell start an adult Ed program in heaven.... I am grateful & blessed to have known her
Jill Taylor
June 29, 2020
Not only did she believe in me enough to hire me at DALC, but she seemed to believe in the possibilities and goodness of everyone. A great lady.
Bruce & Pearl Marquis
June 29, 2020
Sorry for your loss.
Paul & Louise Callahan
June 29, 2020
Dear Stan and John,
Our hearts are broken with this news. What a terrible loss so soon after losing your father. Debbie was such a wonderful person. Im so glad I had the opportunity to have lunch with her before her illness returned. We reminisced about all the great times we had together and caught up with how our families were doing. She was so proud of her grandsons. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We will miss her yearly Christmas letters! We send you all our love.
Dennis and Celeste Bentley
June 29, 2020
Stan and John, so sorry to hear; loved your parents; beautiful people; youre in our thoughts.
Nancy Craig
June 29, 2020
When we first started the Dover School Volunteer Program about 45 years ago, I thought Debbie must be too good to be true. She never had a bad word to say about anyone and always had a positive frame of mind. I soon learned that that was Debbie, about the nicest, most generous and helpful person possible. Her love of Art, her family and friends was paramount. We all mourn the passing of this remarkable lady.
Steve and Julia Roberts
June 29, 2020
Our deepest sympathies to the family.
Jason Hindle
June 29, 2020
A dedicated and beloved member of the Dover community. The Dover Adult Learning Center will forever be her legacy in assisting thousands of Adult learners in achieving their dreams. My condolences to her family
Ann Taylor
June 28, 2020
John and Stanley, Your mom gave me my first teaching job ever in 1985. She took a chance on someone who had zero teaching experience. She was a wonderful lady whom I adored. I am so very sorry for your loss and the loss of your dad - a very nice man. My thoughts are with you.
Ann T.
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