Deborah M. “Debby” Pearse, 80, of Kennebunkport and Gulfport, Florida, died unexpectedly on April 6, 2021, following complications of an operation. Born in Worcester, Massachustts, on June 8, 1940, to The Rev. John Martin and Marie Martin (Farley) she lived a life of love, unending friendships and serial entrepreneurship.

Her mix of genuine interest in all she met naturally led many to nickname her ‘Mom’ for her guidance, gentle support, and love. Never ‘cool’ or ‘fancy,’ she and her husband of 38 years, Bruce Donath, managed to entertain and surprise friends and family with a variety of interesting adventures outside the typical confines of their suburban lives – leaving several tales and myths in their wake.

She is survived by her loving family including her husband, Bruce Donath, her children, Jonathan (Peggy) of Mystic, Connecticut, Julie (Ross) Sullivan of Marshfield, Massachusetts, Chung Sook Valdes of Worcester, Massachusetts, stepchildren Kate (Mark) Ferreira of Plymouth, Massachusetts, and Jeffrey Donath of Hudson, Wisconsin.

Predeceased by her sister Judith (Leonard), she has been very close to her other sisters, Martha (Synnott) of Seminole, Florida, and Connie Anick of Marlboro, Massachusetts. Grandchildren missing her include Christopher and Michael Sullivan, Skyler, Zoe, and Macy Pearse, Adam and Samuel Ferreira, and Sonya and Kim Valdes. She also leaves fond memories with the love of a long list of cousins, nieces, nephews, their children and five great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in her honor to Atlantic Hall (atlantichall.org), Church on the Cape (churchonthecape.org) or her favorite theatre, Good Theatre of Portland (goodtheatre.org).

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