Deborah “Debbie” Marie Thibeault
"Actions speak louder than words."
Debbie was more than just the sum of her relationships. Of course she was a wonderful sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend but she possessed one of the brightest souls. Debbie had a passion for life and adventure like no other person you have ever met. She was inventive, brilliant, headstrong, and brave. To her, life was not something that you let pass you by. Debbie took every opportunity to see and experience all that life had to offer. She was the first one on the dance floor and she did not care who was watching and if you weren't careful she'd pull you right up there with her. She would sing at the top of her lungs and what most of us wouldn't give to hear that sweet voice sing "Ave Maria" just once more. She cherished all the people she loved dearly. Her Husband of 52 years, Richard or better known as Rick was the absolute love of her life. They met at the young age of just 16. Debbie was a waitress at her dad's Resturant, the Clam Shack, and Rick was a mechanic at Mike's Garage. Rick would go have lunch with his father on occasion at the local spot and little did he know he would meet the love of his life smiling over a plate of clam fritters. What started out as just a ride to a high school formal dance and a date to get doughnut holes turned into a life long love story. The were married shortly after and lived in their first apartment in Westerly, Rhode Island. This is also where Debbie gave birth to their first child, Troy. Troy and his mother shared a bond that was so strong. Debbie and Troy did everything together and this includes full days at the beach from the minute they left the hospital. Troy also shared Debbies love for life and adventure. A Short 6 years later she gave birth to their second child, Denielle. Those close to the family know that Denielle is the spitting image of her mother, beautiful both inside and out. Debbie was the most loving mother and was always there to lend an ear and to give the most heartfelt advice, most of which came from experience. Debbie and Rick decided to get a fresh start. Rick came home one day and put an old coffee can on the table and said, "once this can is full we are moving to Colorado." It was there that they were able to create life long friendships and spend quality time with her side of the family. Debbie was the oldest of eight brothers and sisters; Claudia (her twin), Louann, Linda, Dave, Tad, Dean, and Bruce. They are a tight knit family and loved each other dearly. Debbie was definitely the older sibling. but she always led by example. Her mantra was "actions speak louder than words" and she showed everyone exactly what that meant. She was the hostess with the most-ess. Debbie and Rick created a home where everyone knew they were safe and happy. If times got rough, there was nothing a good party couldn't fix. In her lifetime, Debbie held many different positions and jobs. She was the definition of an entrepreneur. She genius inventor, as well as the local ice cream lady. After a while living in Colorado, Debbie and Rick then decided to return to the east coast. New Hampshire is where she would call home for nearly 30 years. Starting the next chapter of her life, Debbie and Rick's kids grew up and graduated high school and were off to pursue their own stories. Troy joined the Marines and was heading off to distant shores and Denielle moved into her own place in a nearby town to start her family. It was then that Debbie and Rick decided to rebuild their house in Amherst, New Hampshire. Every stud, panel, window and door was taken down with care as they gave life to their dream home. It was a lengthy project and Rick gives all credit to its beauty to his lovely Foreman, Debbie. Her careful planning and eye for detail paired perfectly with his strong hands and superior work ethic. Time passed and her children got married and Debbie and Rick became Grandparents. Troy and Pauline had three children; Allison, Ryan, and Carlie. Denielle also had 3 children; Mariah, AJ, and Lauren. Her journey into becoming a grandmother was seamless. She was the most amazing grandmother any child could wish for. She was known for her mystery rides, school vacation trips to the beach, and her amazing cooking. As the years went by and the grandchildren became older she was not only their grandmother but she became their friend. She would show up to every game and event that she could cheering them on from the sidelines. Debbie gifted every member of her family a piece of her soul by just being her. No distance or amount of time could get between her and her adoration for the family that she and Rick built. Their home was the meeting place for so many wonderful reunions and celebrations. All of which will forever be held in their hearts. Debbie and Rick left their mark on New Hampshire and decided it was time to return home. In 2015, they moved to Pawcatuck, Connecticut. Only a stones throw away from where their story began. They settled down into a small home only 13 minutes away from the beach. However, Debbie probably spent more time at Wuskenau Beach than she did at home. She loved anything to do with the ocean and sunshine. Most of her family and close friends knew that from late May (weather permitting) to late September if you needed to get in touch with Debbie just go straight to her spot on the beach. Nine times out of ten she'd be right there, with her coffee in hand. Don't be fooled, even though most people go to the beach to relax, Debbie was not about to just sit there all day. She would play in the waves with the grandkids as well as her great grand children, Amaya and Antonio or she could be up at the Windjammer listening to the live music they had on the patio on any given day. Everything was an event and that's what we all loved about her. She lived each day to the fullest up until her last moments. At the end of this life Debbie was surrounded by love and family. For as much as she gave we all wanted to give back to her. She was taken too soon but it is our firm belief that somewhere in heaven Debbie has taken up residency on the most beautiful beach where the sun never sets and there is endless warmth to fill her heart. She has a chair waiting for all her loved ones and when its their time to join her she will greet them with the most beautiful smile that they missed so dearly and that sweet voice saying "Welcome home".
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