It is with deep sadness that we mourn the passing of Deborah “Debbie” Lee Richard, age 65, of New Bedford, MA after a long and hard-fought illness at her home. Deborah was the daughter of the late Kenneth O’Neil and Shirley Martin of Freetown and New Bedford. She was a graduate of New Bedford High School, class of 1977, and a lifelong resident of New Bedford. Deborah was a kind soul, sweet, caring, and loving; she will be remembered by the many lives that she touched. Deborah could light up a room the moment that she walked in. She would always put others first and herself last. She was an amazing Mother and a fantastic Nana. She will be dearly missed by her family and many close friends. Deborah leaves behind a daughter, Jennifer Tavares, son-in-law Keith Tavares, Ex-Husband Andre’ Richard, and two wonderful grandchildren to which she loved deeply, Jayce Goncalves and Sophia Tavares. Deborah also leaves behind many brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews. Deborah loved lighthouses, the beach, yard-sailing, going to the racetrack, doing puzzles, and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Deborah’s name for the incredible fight that she fought with cancer and the drive that she had to keep fighting. Deborah will be sorely missed. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
National Breast Cancer Foundation:
https://nbcf.org.au/
American Cancer Society
https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate.html
