RICHMOND — Debra Ann Will, 53 died Sunday December 4, 2011 after a long illness. She was born January 30, 1958 in Lewiston, daughter of Richard B. and Clarisse P. (Gauthier) Will.

Debbie attended local schools and graduated from Brunswick High School, class of 1977. She was diagnosed with mixed connective tissue disease shortly after graduation and was not expected to survive more than two years. Her courage, love of life, and inner strength enabled her to beat medical predictions and she survived and additional 34 years. Always an inspiration to others, Debbie was kind hearted, very giving, close to her family, and devoted to her pets. She was popular in local nursing homes where she brought her dogs, dressed in their Sunday finest, to entertain patients. In later years, she collected coins from the US and around the world and made jewelry for which she often received high praise. Debbie, like her father, had a good sense of humor. Even in her last hours, when her attending nurse asked her what had happened to her call button, Debbie stirred, opened an eye, cracked a wry smile, and whispered, “I ate it.” Debbie touched the lives of many and she will be sadly missed.

Dennis Campbell, her husband of ten years, was the love of her life and they were much devoted to one another to the very end. She also leaves her dog and bedside companion, “Jesse.”

Debbie was predeceased by her father. She is survived by her mother and stepfather, Lyndon (Beau) McMackin, of Brunswick, two brothers; Tim Will and his wife, Mary of Topsham and Richard Will and his wife, Becky of Ellsworth. Nieces and nephews include; Natasha Will, Shane Will, Aaron Will, Logan Will, Amanda McDonough and Lena Feters.

Debbie was blessed with the opportunity to say “goodbye” to her family and to so many of her friends before she passed away. There will be no graveside service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Gosnell Hospice House, 11 Hunnewell Road, Scarborough, ME 04074 where she was well cared for in her final days. A gathering of family and friends will be held in Spring 2012.