GARDINER – Debra A “Debbie” Randall passed away Jan. 12, 2022, at Southern Maine Medical Center in Biddeford from diabetes and kidney failure.

She was born the last of nine in Millinocket on March 18, 1953, daughter of Lewis and Jeanette (Madore) Cry. She graduated from Stearns High School in 1971, moving to Winthrop to work in State Government.

Her career took many avenues working at Employment Security Com. and Public Utilities Com. Taking a break in 1975 to have number one son, Thomas. Wanting to be interactive with people went to work at Mr. Market, where she thoroughly enjoyed working for and with Charlie Mills. In 1982 number two son Aaron was born. She worked two part time jobs, Maine General Hospital in Gardiner for which she received employee of the year for her work during a tour bus crash, people often referred to her as “The Doctor”, and Gardiner Adult Ed where she found her niche. Deb became an Adult Ed. Director at School Union 51 (now RSU12) in 1990 and was dedicated to any student who was willing to do the work. She helped her dad get his G.E.D. in 1994 at age 87. She received her bachelor’s degree in 1998 from UMA, she was honored with the Governor’s award for Drug and Alcohol prevention and Education and Adult Education Director of the year in 2001. She retired in 2014 and became a member of the Board of Directors at Uplift, an agency that provides services to individuals with developmental disabilities, becoming chairman until her health prevented her.

Deb met her husband Tom on a blind date Jan. 12, 1972. The first thirteen and a half years he was an active alcoholic, her support for his sobriety was relentless and never ending, asking him not to drink through this.

Deb enjoyed her trips to PEI, Aroostook County where she researched her family ancestry, checking every cemetery she came to. The time share condos in North Conway, N.H. were her haven to relax and share time with her family and friends.

Her favorite saying was “What is that stupid a$$ jerk ball doing?”

Deb was predeceased by her parents; brothers Lewis (Elizabeth) and Lawrence and sister Theresa (Bill).

She leaves behind her husband Tom; son Tom and daughter-in-law Angela of Windham, son Aaron of Randolph; grandchildren Bradly (Bradman and the Bradster) and partner Armani Cannon of Windham and Sarah (Little miss Sarah) and partner Gaven Myshrall of Westbrook. They gave her favorite title “Grandma”; sisters Lois Redman (Joe) of Hilton, N.Y., Irene Bears (Harry) of Brockport, N.Y., Linda Mackin (CJ) of Lincoln, Nancy Noyes (Ben) Gray, and brother Leo (Penny) Longs, S.C.; many nieces and nephews.

Deb and her niece Karen composed a 50th wedding anniversary song for her parents.

The family wishes to thank both Kennebunk Center for Health and Rehab and Southern Maine General I.C.U. unit for her care.

Arrangements are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website: http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com