Deborrah Anne Jabar

PORTLAND – Deborrah Anne Jabar, beloved sister and friend, passed away on Jan. 15, 2026, in Portland after a long illness. Born to Margaret and Norman Jabar on Nov. 19, 1951, she was the first grandchild to Amilia and George Jabar of Waterville. Deborrah arrived in the world with a fighting spirit and never lost it. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Deborrah was known for her generosity, compassion and fierce commitment to social justice and human rights. She understood justice as something you practiced and shaped her life around showing up––listening, organizing, and standing alongside others––when it mattered.

Deborrah studied Political Science at Regis College in Massachusetts and sought out work that reflected her values and belief in standing up for others. Before moving home to Maine to be closer to family, Deborrah lived in Washington, D.C. after college and then Cambridge, Mass., working as a paralegal at Sokolov Law.

Deborrah was deeply involved in Maine State politics and the Democratic Party, organizing, advocating, and protesting tirelessly for policies to improve the lives of working-class people in Maine and beyond. She could often be seen in Monument Square in Portland with her handwritten sign actively protesting for progressive causes and civil rights.

For many years, Deborrah worked on Maine Clean Elections and served as South Portland Democratic City Committee Chair. She also held professional positions at the Maine State Legislature, Senate President’s Office and managed local political campaigns, including Lynne Bromley’s state senate campaigns. She worked at Maine People’s Alliance in her years before retirement, where she spent countless hours talking with Mainers about the issues she cared about and kept the organization running with steady, behind-the-scenes work.

The oldest of seven siblings, Deborrah took her role as a big sister seriously. She checked in often, gave without calculation, and encouraged the people she loved to go after what they wanted, whether they were fully convinced they could or not. Her advice came with conviction and care, and she had a way of making people feel supported and capable. Deborrah lived on her own terms with humor and resolve and encouraged the people around her to do the same.

Deborrah is survived by her six siblings, Paula, Cynthia, Liza, Anna, Norman, and Elizabeth; her father Norman; nine nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

An avid reader and film buff, Deborrah loved a good story as much as she loved a good argument. And she brought her sense of curiosity, humor, and generosity to everything she did.

A celebration of life will be held in late spring when family and friends can gather by the Maine coast at one of Deborrah’s favorite scenic spots.

To share memories of Deborrah or to leave the family an online condolence please http://www.cascobaycremation.com.

In lieu of flowers,

the family asks that her memory is honored through donations to:

the Southern Maine Workers’ Center