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Debra Dumas Obituary

Debra Jean Dumas, age 61, of Chelsea, died July 9, 2013, in Marblehead, MA after a long and courageous battle with a rare brain disease, corticobasal degeneration. She was surrounded by her loving family and friends. Born and raised in Marblehead, Deb was the daughter of Mrs. Gloria L. and the late Mr. Earle H. Dumas of Marblehead. A graduate of Marblehead High School and New England School of Art, Deb worked in Boston and Cambridge's finest restaurants. An accomplished artist as well, she loved gardening and gourmet cooking. Debra leaves her partner Kris Ropelewski of 35 years. She is survived by her brother Earle H. Dumas, Jr. and his wife Susan, her sister Nannette Dumas, three nieces and a nephew, all of Marblehead. Blessed with a wonderful sense of humor, artistic talent and a quick wit, Deb will be forever missed by her family, friends and cousins. The family wishes to thank the devoted staff at the Lafayette Nursing Home of Marblehead and All Care Hospice of Lynn for their steady and compassionate care of Debra. Services are private. Contributions may be made in Debra's memory to CurePSP - The Foundation for PSP/CBD and Related Brain Diseases, 30 E. Padonia Road, Suite 201, Timonium, MD 21093 or given at their website www.psp.org.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Marblehead Reporter from Jul. 16 to Jul. 23, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
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Dale McMahan

July 11, 2021

I feel that Debbie was my best friend from the first time I met her. She was so funny and no one could make me laugh like she could . We went through so much together in our lives . From meeting Deb in the 5th grade until the day that she died we were so close . She was the person I could tell I killed someone and she would never tell a soul . Everyone needs a friend like that . I could go on and on about how much I loved her . I turned 70 last week and who was the first person I thought of , Deb .

Dale McMahan

July 21, 2013

Deb was my best friend from the 5th grade on . We have always kept in touch and done things together up until she got so sick. I am very sad that we have lost her but I did not want her to suffer any more. I will see you soon my friend. No one could make me laugh like Deb. I love you my friend.

Susan Finigan

July 18, 2013

So sorry to hear of Debbie's passing, a fellow MHS classmate. I did not know she had been so ill. My thoughts are with all of you from her family.

Suzanne Sherwood

July 17, 2013

My sympathy to the Dumas family at this sad time.

Sleep Sweetly, Deb

Billie McGregor

July 17, 2013

Love is anterior to life, posterior to death, initial of creation, and the exponent of breath.....Emily Dickinson

My heartfelt condolences to the Dumas Family.

July 16, 2013

To my dear friends the Dumas family, Debbi will be truly missed by so many of us. I'm so thankful for the short time I had visiting with Deb at the Lafayette. Please remember she will always be with us as she will always be in our hearts. R.I.P. my dear friend. Joan Gaillardet

"Libby" Sherwood

July 16, 2013

I remember the great times in grade school ice skating, sledding & playing Civil War games in the neighborhood. We had fun! Great Halloween candy collecting too, from one end of West Shore Drive & back again. Til we meet again...

Robert Marsters

July 16, 2013

Thanks for all the "good times!"; we were able to share together. You will be greatly missed...

Marblehead High School - Class of 1969

July 16, 2013

Kurt vonSternberg

July 16, 2013

I remember you so well over all those years from the early school days Deb. RIP: Debra

Matthia Keyes

July 16, 2013

A kind heart and a gentle soul...you will be remembered.

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