Deborah Ann Berube

Please keep the family and friends Deborah Ann Berube in your thoughts and prayers. Deborah was born to Florence and James Berube in the small town of Shawmut, Maine. She attended Immaculate Heart of Mary and Lawrence High School, graduating in 1971. After high school Deborah worked locally and eventually moved to Virginia where her first daughter, Lindsay was born. Lindsay was followed swiftly by Christa and then Carly. Deborah was a loving mother, always playful and present. She valued education and taught her daughters to read before they began kindergarten. She would live to see her three daughters collectively earn eight college and advanced degrees. She raised her daughters predominantly on her own in her beloved home state of Maine while being actively involved in various faith organizations. Deborah pursued her own studies and went to college after not having the opportunity earlier in life as a single mom. She graduated from University of Maine in the spring of 2003 with a degree in Library Science.

She had a passion for children’s books and worked for years as a children’s librarian in Waterville and Bangor, Maine. To describe Deborah and her life would be impossible because she connected with so many people and had so many passions. She had indigenous roots, a constant interest in other cultures, a love of music and dancing, and she was an enthusiastic lover of life. Her smile was infectious and her hug could soothe your weary soul. Her empathy, acceptance, and ability to see people just as they were, was just what this world needed.

Deborah kept in contact with many friends from high school, as well as other relationships she tended to over the years. People were drawn to her because of her friendly and non-judgmental disposition and for her part, she was always open to making new friends. She was very open-minded and enjoyed learning about new cultures and traditions.

Her faith was very important to Deborah. She was a member of Valley View Church. In the second half of her life Deborah enjoyed and excelled at being a grandmother. In the great French Canadian tradition her grandchildren called her Meme Mèrè, or Meme (mem-ay). Deborah was overjoyed to be blessed with 7 grandchildren. She was a devoted Meme, attentive to their needs always. She often sang to them using her beautiful singing voice, creating little songs that made their ears perk up and kept them smiling. She thought about them all the time and loved to video chat just to ask them about their school day or their latest hobby. Her last grandchild, Florian, was her constant daily companion.

She is survived by her daughters Lindsay Kasson and husband Matt, Christa Quint and husband Arlo, and Carly Berube; along with seven grandchildren.

The Palestinian fight for freedom from oppression was very near and dear to Deborah‘s heart. In lieu of flowers or donations, please consider donating to the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund. Deborah left behind a beautiful legacy and an indelible mark on the world, and we will always carry her in our hearts.

Family and friends will be received Tuesday, March 18, 2025 2:00 - 4:00 PM at Vereb Funeral Home (formerly O’Connor’s), 5106 Second Avenue, 15207, 412-521-8116