​Deborah Beth Lees was born in Glen Cove, New York on August 12th, 1957. She grew up in East Marion, Long Island and Hampton, NH. Even as a child Deb was fun loving and a trickster. One of her favorite stories was how she buried her parent's car keys because she was having too much fun at the lake in Ontario. Two hours later the keys were "found". Deb didn't want the day to end. It was that kind enthusiasm that drew people to Deb, she was entertaining, engaging and also a good listener, qualities not generally found in one person. Debbie graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in Spanish. One of Deb's first teaching jobs was as an elementary school spanish teacher in Jamaica Plains, Boston, Ma. It was a very poor school, but all I remember is how much Deb loved those kids. She had an adventuresome spirit, which led her to travel, work on a Kibbutz, and make many friends from all over the globe, many of whom visited the family in New Hampshire. Most notably a Chilean revolutionary and an African prince. Deb loved to tell stories and she was not above embellishing them, (the whale jumped over the bow of the boat) though her actual life was often so fascinating it needed none such. Deb loved sailing and cooking and was the chef aboard The Spirit of Massachusetts during its maiden year. Most of Debbie’s life was spent helping others. Her dedication to children led to a job teaching deaf and blind children at Perkins School for the Blind. After learning she had MS, Deb returned to college and received her graduate degree in Orientation and Mobility from Boston College.  After graduating, she worked with blind children, helping them to navigate their homes, schools, and college campuses. She continued her career working with veterans at the VA Hospital in West Haven, CT.

​

​

Debbie leaves her mother Mary Jane Williams, brother Charles Lees and his wife Brenda Scheufele, sisters Melissa Lees and Amanda Williams, her nephew Jack McLaren, nieces Hana McLaren and Raisa Lees,  and her partner Jack Geilfuss. 

​
It was Deb's wish to donate her body to MS Research and have her ashes sprinkled at the Isles of Shoals.

Debbie Lees

- Born August 12th, 1957

- Teacher, World Traveler, Humanitarian, Good Friend

- Departed this world January 22nd, 2013



Native American Prayer

Don't stand at my grave and weep
For I'm not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamonds' glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn's rain.

When you awaken in morning's hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the s0ft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there; I did not die.