Debra Joyce Norton

LISBON- Debra Joyce Norton, 64, of Harpswell, Maine, peacefully passed away on July 15, 2025, her loving son by her side; cause of death was determined to be hypertensive atherosclerosis heart failure. Deb was born December 30, 1960 in Bath, Maine, and grew up along the coast of Maine. The vivid beauty of the area enriched her boundless imagination, and lent itself to her passion for writing, leading her to create the fantastical worlds of her books Dingley Island: The Story So Far and The Daughters of Veah.

A graduate of Plymouth University, Deb’s background in early childhood education and medieval art led her to her lifelong calling of teaching children to love, respect, and honor nature, while fostering within them a passion for art and expression in all forms. A tireless tinker, Deb’s personal artwork ranged from mixed media collage and watercolor to found object mosaic and fiber art.

Deb was a beloved mother, daughter, sister, and friend, and is survived by not only her loving children, immediate family, and wonderful friends, but also by the countless children whose lives she enriched in her many years as a preschool teacher at Harpswell Nature School. It is there that Deb’s kind and gentle heart imbued future generations with warmth, compassion, and creativity. May we all learn from Deb and keep passion, kindness, and a love for all things great and small in our hearts, as she did.

Deb, per her wishes, will be cremated “in the Klingon tradition,” her ashes scattered in a private ceremony with family and close friends. maHa'chuqmeH tlhoghvam poH, maHay'DI' (Klingon translation - May we all be so lucky as to live a life filled with love and purpose.)

Arrangements by Crosman Funeral Home 40 Main Street, Lisbon Falls, Maine, 207-353-4951. Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.crosmanfuneralhome.com .