Deborah Lee Ward

PORTLAND – Deborah Lee Ward, 75, passed away peacefully on Aug. 7, 2025, with her husband by her side after a courageous battle with lung disease. She was born in Portland on June 29, 1950, to John and Lucille (Atherton) Nichols.

Debbie was a graduate of Portland High School, class of 1968, and later attended cosmetology school, working as a hairdresser in both New Hampshire and Maine.

In 1973, Debbie married her high school sweetheart, Capt. David Ward, whom she had met in junior high school. To secure their date for senior prom, David asked her in October of that year. They went on to build a life together in Cape Elizabeth, raising two children, Bridget and David. During David’s extended absences at sea with the merchant marines, Debbie embraced her role as wife and mother with unwavering love and dedication.

Once her children were in school full-time, Debbie worked at Ledgemere Country Day School as a teacher’s aide and later a receptionist at Piper Shores where she was extremely popular with the residents. She also volunteered at the Center for Grieving Children for three years, using her own experience with loss to help children cope with their grief.

After retiring from Piper Shores in the spring of 2008, Debbie focused on helping plan her daughter’s wedding and eagerly anticipated her new role as a grandmother. She flourished in this role, deeply cherishing her four grandchildren and attending their sporting events, concerts, and dance recitals.

A beautiful woman inside and out, she had a remarkable ability to make others feel truly cared for. She had a warm smile and a genuine interest in everyone she met, effortlessly making connections with people and making them feel heard. Her friendships were of utmost importance to her, and she valued them dearly.

One of her greatest joys was the beach—whether boating on Sebago Lake, enjoying Crescent Beach, or traveling to the Caribbean, she loved the ocean and the feeling of warm sand beneath her feet. She and David especially loved taking their grandchildren to the Royal Anchor Beach Club for summer “Camp Grammy,” a cherished tradition.

Debbie was predeceased by her parents, John and Lucille Nichols, her stepmother, Ruth (Stanley); her brothers George and Richard, and her sister, Suzanne.

She is survived by her devoted husband, David; her children, Bridget (Tim McGonagle) and David (Connor Ward); and her four grandchildren, John, Mollie, Sadie McGonagle, and Winnie Ward. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, two brothers-in-law; nieces, nephews; and many dear friends.

Visiting hours to celebrate Debbie’s life will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 22, at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of South Portland, 1024 Broadway. To view Debbie’s memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit http://www.ConroyTullyWalker.com

In lieu of flowers,

please consider making

a donation to:

Center for Grieving Children

555 Forest Ave.

Portland, ME 04101