Deborah Kelley

PORTLAND – It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Debbie Kelley, a devoted mother, athlete, and beacon of strength who passed away Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, surrounded by family and friends.

Born on May 15, 1972, Debbie was a force of nature. The joy of her life was being the mother of two beautiful daughters, Shawna and Izzy. As a single mother, she poured all of her love and dedication into her girls to ensure they had every opportunity to thrive. Debbie worked tirelessly to show the girls the value of perseverance, determination, and the importance of living life with purpose.

Debbie graduated from Portland High School in 1990 and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Quinnipiac University in 1994. Debbie fulfilled her dream of becoming a physical therapist and spent over 20 years in the field specializing in the care of brain injury and stroke patients. She engaged in clinical practice at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland, River Ridge Center, Falmouth by the Sea, and in multiple home health agencies in both clinical practice and management roles. Her passion was getting those with brain injuries to walk again and finding ways to allow those patients to reach their personal goals. In 2014, Debbie obtained her certification as a Neurological Clinical Specialist (NCS) from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). In addition to clinical practice, Debbie became an adjunct professor at the University of New England, a role which she continued in even throughout her illness.

Throughout her life, Debbie was an avid athlete, from her softball days at Little League #9 to being a PHS Lady Bulldog playing varsity basketball, softball, and soccer. Debbie went on to play Division II college basketball at Quinnipiac University. After school, she continued her love of sports through coaching both youth and high school sports in the Portland area.

Debbie ran the 2002 Marine Corps Marathon, the 2014 NYC Marathon and many more. She also took part in triathlons and ½ Iron Man competitions. Even as cancer took its toll on her body, Debbie never lost her fighting spirit. She faced each day with remarkable strength and grace inspiring those around her with the depth of her determination. In the end, cancer took her body but it never got her heart.

Debbie was predeceased by her parents, Paul and Mary Kelley.

She is survived by her children, Shawna and Izzy Kelley; her nephew, Matthew Poulin of Manchester, with whom shared a special bond; her sister, Patricia Poulin and her husband Mike of Manchester; nephew, Michael Poulin and Katie Baril and their children; niece, Molly Poulin of Ohio; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins of the Kelley and Quinn families who brought deep and lasting friendship, love, and support to her life.

Debbie had an amazing group of friends that supported her in life and went far above and beyond to support her through her cancer journey. She always said, she would never had made it through the four years without her family and friends.

Debbie wished to thank the unsurpassed St. Brigid Family for their unwavering support of the Kelley Strong Family both in illness and in health. Debbie was granted the ability to outlive all expectations despite her Stage IV Ovarian Cancer diagnosis in November of 2020 because of the steadfast dedication and brilliance of Dr. Kevin Elias, formerly of Dana-Farber Institute, and Dr. Elizabeth Stover, of Dana-Farber Institute. These doctors became family to the Debbie every minute of the last four years was a gift provided by their care.

Visiting Hours celebrating her life will be held on Sunday, March 2 from 1 – 5 p.m. at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of Portland, 172 State Street, Portland. Prayers will be recited on Monday, March 3 at 9 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Sacred Heart Church, 65 Mellen Street, Portland. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland. To share an online condolence, please visit http://www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.

As a family we wish to express our deepest gratitude to the Dempsey Team that has made getting through the impossible, possible.

In lieu of flowers, Debbie wished that donations be made to the Dempsey Center of Maine. The Dempsey Center went above and beyond to support the entire family over the four-year battle Debbie waged with her illness