Deborah Carol Hearle

CHATHAM, MA - Deborah Carol Hearle, 75, peacefully passed away on Thursday, December 9, 2021, at home surrounded by her loving family after a brief illness. She was the devoted wife of Ronald T. Hearle for 55 years, and the daughter of the late John and Edith Valentine of Chatham.

Debbie was born in Westchester, New York, and was a graduate of The Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan. She began her career as a buyer in the fashion industry in New York before taking time to raise her two sons in Putnam County, NY. In 1984, the family moved full time to Chatham where she and Ron opened, owned and operated The Hearle Gallery at 488 Main Street for 34 years.

As the principal artist at Chatham’s ‘Treasure Trove’ of fine art, she created over 4,700 acclaimed watercolor and oil paintings which today hang in private collections worldwide. She was a member of the American Society of Marine Artists, the International Society of Marine Painters and the Copley Society of Boston. Her works were exhibited at The Hereshoff Maritime Museum, the Maine Maritime Museum, the Cape Cod Cultural Center and in national juried exhibitions at The Copley Society, The Salmagundi Club, The National Arts Club, The Hudson Valley Art Association and the Cape Cod Art Association. An avid runner, she completed the New York City Marathon in 1999 at the age of 53 and countless Chatham Turkey Trots with her grandchildren. She was most recently featured in the 2021 book I am of Chatham by John Whelan.

Debbie could be seen year round happily jogging and waving to passers by on Shore Road, sailing her catboat ‘Kui Ipo’ in Stage Harbor and Pleasant Bay, and playing with her children and grandchildren on the town’s beaches, islands and sandbars. She never missed a gathering to celebrate with friends and family. ‘Grandmama’ was a fixture at all of her eight grandchildren’s recitals and sporting events and ski trips. Debbie will live on through her family; the skies, flowers, sailboats, children, Chatham Band Concerts and flags she painted; and through the positive energy she bestowed on all who were lucky enough to be graced by her smile and presence.

She is survived by her husband Ron, her two sons: Michael and his wife Mary Winn of Boston and Chatham, Todd of Chatham and Darien, Connecticut, her grandchildren: Hammond, Alexa, Henry, John, Hudson, Shep, Reed and Dalton, numerous nieces and nephews and her beloved Bichon, Sassy.

A service commemorating her life will be held at 1PM on Wednesday, December 22nd at the The First Congregational Church at 650 Main Street in Chatham. A private reception will be held post for family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Debbie’s memory to the First Congregational Church. For online condolences, please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com.