Lynn Debbs

Lynn A. Debbs
October 1, 1941 – September 22, 2025
Lynn Debbs, a lifelong artist, entrepreneur, devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away with her daughters by her side on September 22, 2025.
Born in Bayonne, New Jersey, Lynn was the daughter of Katherine Kirkwood Ryan and George Witt Cubberly. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 35 years, J. Robert "Bobby" Debbs. She is survived by her daughters, Hildi Arnold and husband Eric of Otisfield, Maine, and Nell Blasdale and husband Spencer of Milton, Massachusetts; her sister Judy Taylor of Bakersfield, California; her brothers Tom Powers of Santa Cruz, California, and David Cubberly of Bakersfield, California; and her cherished grandchildren-Kylie, Camden, Avery, and Hadley-who lovingly knew her as "Meem" or "Meme."
Lynn graduated from Toms River High School and Monmouth University. She began her career teaching elementary school in New Jersey before marrying John DeWitt Thompson, Jr. and moving to Bethesda, Maryland, where she started her family. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Arlington, VA where she co-founded a design company that grew quickly and became highly successful. Lynn went on to license artwork that was mass-produced on children's clothing, kitchenware, and bedding, with her designs sold nationwide in major retailers including Lord & Taylor, Bloomingdale's, and Crate & Barrel. She co-founded a second design company working with fine artists to develop artwork in repeat patterns for print design. While art was always her passion, Lynn's deep sense of responsibility to provide for her family led her to pursue additional work alongside her creative endeavors. Intermittently designing for the home furnishings market, Lynn also ran several businesses over the years, including a fitness franchise and a giftware company specializing in customized products for gift shops, universities, and hospitals. Her entrepreneurial spirit and creative energy left an indelible mark on every venture she pursued.
Creativity was the thread that wove through every part of Lynn's life. She expressed her artistry and experimented in many mediums, from watercolor, inks and acrylics, sewing, needlepoint, jewelry making, collage and intricate wool felting, to imaginative sculptures crafted from seaglass, wire, rocks and paper mache. Her work reflected her deep appreciation for beauty in both the everyday and the extraordinary.
Her artistry carried into her home and yard, where she found peace and fulfillment in her gardens, spending countless hours tending to a variety of plants, vegetables and colorful flowers. Lynn inspired her husband, Bob, to share in this hobby (where he focused on the roses), and he taught her to play golf which became another favorite activity. She became a proud member of the 9 Holer Women's Group at the Spring Lake Golf Club where she loved betting on her gameplay. They also enjoyed trips with friends to Bermuda where they belonged to the Coral Beach Golf Club for several years. Lynn and Bob designed and built their Spring Lake home of 24 years after living in Holmdel and Sea Girt, NJ. They spent many years visiting their condo in Jonathan's Landing, Jupiter, FL where they had many friends to golf and go to the beach with. In 2005, Lynn and Bob moved to Plymouth, MA where they both spent their final days. Lynn joined the Plymouth Center for the Arts where she showcased some of her artwork.
Wherever Lynn lived, she loved to decorate, entertain and cook, often sending her delicious food home with guests. Above all, Lynn's greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren. She loved planning outings, photoshoots, and creative projects with them, cheering at their games and performances, sharing her wisdom, and spoiling them at Christmas-her favorite holiday. She was their biggest fan, always celebrating their unique gifts and accomplishments.
Those who knew Lynn will remember how she lived her life on her own terms with unwavering authenticity. Her incredible generosity towards family and friends, as well as to complete strangers and those less fortunate than her, were trademarks of her personality, along with her unapologetic sense of humor. She enjoyed helping others, engaging in debate, creating, reading, spending time with family and having a good laugh. Lynn will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.
A service celebrating Lynn's life will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 10:00AM at First Congregational Church, 495 Canton Ave., Milton, MA 02186, followed by a reception in the Johnson Hall at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to one of Lynn's favorite charities, St Jude Children's Research Hospital.
https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html