Debra Ruth Goodwin

Portsmout - Debra Ruth Goodwin, aged 67, passed away on October 25, 2024, in Portsmouth, NH. Born on December 23, 1956, Debbie, as she was affectionately known, led a life marked by courage, resilience, and humor, which shone brightly even through her prolonged battle with cancer.

Debbie graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1974 and attended Hesser College. She built a notable career, dedicating 36 years as a Lead Financial Management Analyst at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Her early career saw her warmly serving patrons as a bartender at State Street Saloon and at the officer's club on the shipyard, where she was a beloved figure.

Her personal life was filled with joy and laughter, often playing tricks on her family and friends, who will dearly miss her vibrant spirit. Debbie enjoyed traveling, with an annual highlight being her trip to Las Vegas. She relished watching her nieces participate in sports and was a fan of Lifetime Movies. Her faith was important to her, and she was a regular attendee at Immaculate Conception Church in Portsmouth, NH.

Debbie is survived by her brother, Peter Goodwin and his wife Debra Deckert of Eliot, ME; nieces Bethany Goodwin and her partner Will Costin of Kittery, ME, Jamie Chalue and her husband Michael of Dover, NH, Lindsay Goodwin of Newmarket, NH, Megan Goodwin of Eliot, ME, and Kayla Goodwin of Dover, NH; step-nephew Nicholas Deckert of Eliot, ME; great-nieces Charlotte, Violet, and McKenna; and a fourth niece, Mia, expected to arrive in November. Her best friend Bonnie Shaw of Portsmouth, NH, and dear friends Sharon Ferrelli of North Hampton, NH, and Alice Tarsa of Portsmouth, NH, will also feel her absence deeply, as will her cherished chocolate lab, Sadie Sue.

Preceding her in death were her husband, John Pento; her parents, James and Barbara Goodwin; both sets of grandparents; several aunts, uncles, and cousins; and her beloved dogs, Callie and Maddie.

Viewing hours will be held on November 6, 2024, from 5 pm to 7 pm at Farrell's Funeral Home at 684 State Street, Portsmouth, NH. Funeral Services will follow on November 7, 2024, at 10:30 am at Immaculate Conception Church at 98 Summer St, Portsmouth, NH.

The family would like to thank the medical staff at Seacoast Cancer Center at Wentworth Douglas Hospital in Dover, NH and Dana Farber Cancer Center in Boston, MA. A special thanks to Dr. Wilhelmina Cabalona and Dr. Jacob Sands and the nursing staff from Cornerstone Hospice whose compassionate care was greatly appreciated during her final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Pope Memorial Humane Society, Cocheco Valley. Contributions can be made online at https://popememorialcvhs.org.