Debra A. Sweet

Debra (DiPaolo) Sweet of Portland
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Debra DiPaolo Sweet, who passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 9, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on August 10, 1956, Debra, also known as Debbie, was the cherished daughter of Adeline (Ricci) DiPaolo and Rosario DiPaolo of Portland. The youngest of six siblings, she brought joy, laughter, and warmth to everyone she met.
Debbie attended local schools and graduated from Portland High School, class of 1974, with high honors. At Portland High School she was the beloved mascot and later served as assistant captain of the cheerleading team.
She began her career at Sun Savings Bank before working for Dr. Herrick as a dedicated medical assistant, where she cared deeply for her patients. Her professional career also included working for the Maine Turnpike Authority. Later in life, she found fulfillment working at Portside Learning Center in Portland, helping children learn their ABCs and inspiring them with patience and kindness. A culminating accomplishment in her professional career was owning her own business, Deb's Animal Boutique, an animal grooming and training service.
Her greatest moments of happiness included marrying her husband, Kenneth Sweet, on June 21, 1994, and raising their three sons, Jake, Jordan and Kenny. She was a permanent fixture attending all of their school activities and sporting events, often as the loudest person cheering. Becoming a Nana to her first grandchild, Brooks, and spending every moment playing, reading, singing, dancing and taking walks to look at vehicles with him put a joyful smile on her face. Alongside her husband and three sons, she also enjoyed being a member of bowling leagues through SpareTime Portland and Bayside Bowl Portland, where she was known as "Mini Guinea."
Over the years, Debbie was a fierce animal rescue advocate for dogs, cats, horses and any animal in need, donating and raising money for rescues all over the United States. Along with her advocacy work, she was a devoted animal foster for many years. She never turned away an animal in need, even when it meant early morning arrivals from all over the country. She was a self-titled "foster failure" on numerous occasions having adopted those rescued animals into her home, providing a safe, loving fur-ever home.
Debbie is survived by her dedicated and loving husband of 31 years, Kenneth Sweet Sr; sons Jake O'Donal and wife, Angie, Jordan O'Donal and Kenny Sweet and wife Marijana, and her three grandchildren, Brooks and Bodhi O'Donal, and Davina Sweet. She is also survived by her sisters Annette (husband Peter) Hoglund, Diane DiPaolo Morency and Donna DiPaolo Walstrom and sister-in-laws Patricia Walstrom DiPaolo and Michele DiPaolo, along with many nieces, nephews and friends. Debbie is predeceased by her parents, Adeline and Rosario DiPaolo and her brothers, George and Edward DiPaolo.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Sears and Dr. Loiselle, along with with many other providers who have cared for Debbie over the years. A heartfelt thank you also goes to the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House of Scarborough for their compassionate care of Debbie.
Debbie will be deeply missed by family and friends along with the countless lives she touched with her gentle and caring heart.
Visiting Hours will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 4:00 – 7:000 PM at A. T. Hutchins Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 10:00 AM at A. T. Hutchins Funeral Home, 660 Brighton Avenue, Portland
In lieu of flowers, please consider carrying on Debbie's passionate work of helping animals by making a contribution to the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, PO Box 336, Westbrook, Maine 04098 or go to www.arlgp.org/memorial.