Virginia A. “Ginny” deBree

PORTLAND – Virginia A. “Ginny” deBree passed away peacefully in her sleep early Saturday morning, May 17, 2025, at the Seaside Healthcare facility in Portland, Maine. She had recently celebrated her 100th birthday, a joyful milestone surrounded by loving family and friends.

Ginny was born in Portland on Feb. 1, 1925, to Alice MacDonald and Allister Grant. A resident of Portland, she attended local schools and graduated from Deering High School in 1943.

A gifted and dedicated musician, Ginny began offering piano and organ lessons from her home not long after graduation. Her first student, Ruthie York, was the start of what became a decades-long vocation. With her patient, encouraging teaching style and reasonable fees, she quickly gained a loyal following. Many of her original students returned years later with their own children, eager to have them taught by “Mrs. deBree.”

Alongside teaching 25 to 30 students at any given time, Ginny also served faithfully as Organist and Choir Director for two Portland churches, balancing her musical career with grace, energy, and devotion.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, David, and her sister, Audrey. Ginny is survived by her sons, David E. deBree (Lee Anne) of North Windham, Steven N. deBree (Priscilla H.) of Portland; her grandchildren, David G. deBree (Kerry), Christopher Michael deBree (Kristi), Geoffrey Steven deBree, and Leslie Lakhia (Abhijeet); great-grandchildren Colin James deBree; Lilly Anne deBree, Finnegen Markus deBree, Devi and Jonah Lakhia; her brother, Daniel T. Grant (Connie) of Scarborough.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Jones-Rich-Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford Street, Portland. A celebration of life will take place on Friday, May 23, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the same location, followed by a committal service at Blanchard Cemetery, 215 Winn Road, Falmouth, from 2:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.

To read Ginny’s full biography and share memories or condolences, please visit http://www.jonesrichandbarnes.com.

Ginny will be remembered for the music she shared, the lives she touched, and the legacy of love and learning she leaves behind.