Virginia "Ginney" Arlene deBree

She was born on February 1, 1925, at home in Portland, Maine, to Alice MacDonald and Allister Grant. She had recently celebrated her 100th birthday with a group of family and friends.

Ginney had a younger sister, Audrey, who passed away a few years ago and a brother, Daniel, who stayed in touch frequently to check in with her.

David, her husband of 48 years, died in 1996 after a lengthy battle with multiple myeloma.

She was a mother to two, a grandmother to four, and a great-grandmother to five.

She attended Portland schools and graduated from Deering High School in 1943.

As a child and continuing for years, she studied piano and organ under the guidance of Dr. Brinkler. To fund her music study during her mid-to-late teenage years, she worked at Sawyer Barker Co dry goods just off Monument Square in Portland.

At age 16, she began her career as a church organist serving briefly at the Lutheran Church on Sherman St. and then moving to Stroudwater Baptist on outer Congress St.

Following her graduation, she began work at New England Telephone in the accounting department.

Later she would take over the reigns as organist at St. Peters Episcopal Church on Washington Ave. She married David deBree at that very church on April 16, 1948.

Following their wedding, they moved to Bangor for about 3 years as David began his career in the technical end of the emerging radio broadcasting industry, joining the team at WGUY. Ginney secured another role with New England Telephone in the Bangor business office.

With David securing a new role at WGAN-AM in Portland, they returned to Portland living on North St in an apartment owned by her former kindergarten teacher affectionately known later to her children as “Aunt Marion.”

While there, they welcomed the first of two sons into the world, David Edward, on February 4, 1953.

Looking for a more rural and quiet location to raise their family, they secured the purchase of land on Route 9 in North Yarmouth, what is now known as Cumberland Road. There they built a home where she would reside for what was close to 70 years.

Two North Yarmouth residents and expert carpenters, Elwood (Ellie) Gerry and Clayton Barter built it while her husband, David, provided the electrical work.

After a short time in their new home, the second of the two boys arrived on the scene. Steven Nelson was born on April 23, 1956.

Her deep connection with the town really would begin during those early years.

She began to offer piano and organ lessons to students at her home. Her first student was Ruthie York. That started a flood of children, right through adults, who sought her out due to her patient, caring style of teaching and…. reasonable fees. Over the years, students who started out as children, later brought their children to be taught by “Mrs. deBree”.

While keeping a full schedule of teaching, many years she would have 25 to 30 consistent students, she also maintained full time positions as Organist/Choir Director at two Portland churches.

From 1956 through 1968, she followed in her father’s footsteps at Willison Church on Thomas St. Later she would serve as Director of Music at Woodfords Congregational Church from 1968 until she retired in 1987.

But she did not retire from teaching. She continued to keep a slate of students right up to 2020 and the COVID pandemic. Into her 90’s, she would continue to keep up to 5 consistent students…. keeping her fit, mentally alert, and well connected.

Over the years, she maintained a connection with both North Yarmouth Memorial School and Greely High School.

During the 60’s and prior to the formation of MSAD 51, the North Yarmouth Memorial School 8th Grade class would hold a graduation ceremony at the North Yarmouth Congregational Church. She played the music during those events assisting Music Director Ida Rich.

Following the creation of the school district, Greely Music Director Carle Henry asked Ginney to play for Greely High School graduations. She continued in that role throughout the 70’s.

Her love for music stays alive in her family. Her son, David, and his sons, continue to be active in the Maine music scene. Family gatherings often included Ginney, son David, and grandsons Dave, Chris and Geoff forming an impromptu and talented ensemble.

While involved with the school bands in school, Steve chose to pursue athletics as more of his extracurricular focus.

Her brother, Dan, is a talented saxophone player as well.

Music was deep in her DNA.

Beyond her family, her influence and impact on the lives of residents of North Yarmouth and surrounding communities was wide ranging and profound. Her teaching and choir directing approach was consistently encouraging…. looking for the potential in her students and choir members…she touched the lives of countless numbers through her musical gifts.

In her final few years, she lived with her two sons and their wives, splitting time two weeks a month at each location. While she was at times “wobbly” as she used to say, she managed well with her rollator and was frequently “on the move” around each house. Only recently had her health and strength deteriorated to the point where she needed more consistent daily care and attention.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Point Pine Center for her initial rehabilitation and those at Seaside Healthcare who attended to her during her final weeks. During that time, they would also like to acknowledge the caring and compassionate support from the staff at Hospice of Southern Maine.

Ginney is survived by her sons, David E. deBree (Lee Anne) of North Windham; Steven N. deBree (Priscilla H.), of Portland; her grandchildren, David G. deBree (Kerry), Christopher Michael deBree (Kristi), Geoffrey Steven deBree, and Leslie Lakhia (Abhijeet); great-grandchildren Colin James deBree; Lilly Anne deBree, Finnegan Marcus deBree, Devi and Jonah Lakhia; her brother, Daniel T. Grant (Connie) of Scarborough

She was predeceased by her husband David and sister Audrey.

A visitation for Ginney will be held Thursday, May 22, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Jones-Rich-Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford Street, Portland, ME 04103. A celebration of life will occur Friday, May 23, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 199 Woodford Street, Portland, ME 04103. A committal service will occur Friday, May 23, 2025 from 2:15 PM to 2:45 PM at Blanchard Cemetery, 215 Winn Rd, Falmouth, Maine 04105.