FREEPORT – Deborah Louise Bear, 76, of Freeport, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024.

She was born in Livermore Falls on Dec. 27, 1947, a daughter of Freeman Joseph Mitchell and Mary Beryl (Colfer) Mitchell. Debbie grew up in and around mid-coast Maine where she received her early elementary education. At the age of 9, her family relocated to Green Cove Springs, Fla. She later attended and graduated from Orange Park High School.

There she met the love of her life, Richard Bear. The two were married on June 9, 1967 and initially settled in Panama Beach. Due to Richard’s career in the United States Navy, their young lives together were full of adventure, as they had the opportunity to live in several states throughout the U.S., as well as in Sicily. During this time, they raised their two boys, Richard Il and Robert. In 1985, Richard retired from the military and they made their permanent home in Maine. Debbie, never wanting to sit still, found a job with JCPenney. She worked there for many years, making lasting friendships with co-workers, some of whom she still stayed in touch with to present day.

Debbie lived with her son, Robert, and his family since 2015. She was a cherished member of the household where she contributed love and time, not seldom in the form of spaghetti and meatball dinners.

Debbie had many creative hobbies, with drawing, crafts and tinkering at the top of her list. She was known for having a sharp, technical mind, and had the rare ability to understand the workings of objects and electronics by just looking at them. Extremely generous, Debbie never hesitated to drop everything to assist others. Dearest to her heart was her Australian Shepherd, Jack, who brought her so much joy in her later years.

Debbie was predeceased by her husband, Richard B. Bear of 38 years on Sept. 30, 2006.

She is survived her by two sons, Richard B. Bear II and wife Kristina of East Waterboro, and Robert Hornschild-Bear and wife Valeska of Freeport; by three grandchildren, Tyler, Liam and Mia; by her sister, Muriel Rogers, by her brother, Freeman “Joe” Mitchell; as well as by many nieces and nephews.

Debbie will be buried alongside her beloved husband, Richard, at the Maine Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, 163 Mt. Vernon Rd., Augusta.

To view Debbie’s memorial page or leave an online condolence, please visit http://www.cotefuneralhome.com