Deborah Marie Collins

Deborah Marie (Shone) Collins, known to all who loved her as Debbie, passed away on May 3, 2026, in Portland, Maine, after a lengthy illness, at the age of 77. Born on July 12, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan, Debbie lived a life rich in love, laughter, and quiet devotion to the people around her.

Debbie married her high school sweetheart, Thomas, and together they shared over 56 years of marriage, building a life and a family that was the center of her world. She was a proud mother of three and dedicated herself to caring for others, both at home and in her career as a housekeeper at St. Joseph's Manor, where she worked until her retirement.

Debbie was a long-time member of the Daughters of Isabella, a community she valued deeply. In her spare time, she was rarely without her knitting needles, turning out baby afghans, dish cloths, and scarves for family and friends. She was also an enthusiastic rugby fan who cheered on Ireland through every Six Nations tournament and Rugby World Cup. She loved watching ice hockey, too, though she could always be counted on to remind anyone in earshot, "They are awfully rough."

When asked how she was doing, Debbie's answer was always the same, delivered with characteristic grit and grace: "I'm holding my own."

She is survived by her beloved husband, Thomas; her daughter, Patricia; and her sons, Thomas, Jr., and Robert. Great Aunt, Jean; Brother, Kenney and his wife, Diane; Sister, Carole-Ann and her husband, Don; Cousin, Raymond and his wife, Elinor; along with other cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She is predeceased by her Father, Bernie, Mother, Dorothy, Brother, Michael.

May she rest gently in God's peace.

Family and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation on Monday, May 11, 2026 from 4-6 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the Cathedral of The Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress St. Portland, followed by a graveside service at Calvary Cemetery in South Portland.

As Helen Keller once wrote, "What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us." Debbie became a part of so many, and she will not be lost.