Deborah Louise (Cote) Anderson, 71, of Saco, passed away comfortably and quietly at The Portland Maine Medical Center, on Sept. 27, 2024.

The youngest of nine children, Deb was born in Rumford to Emile and Gertrude (Metivier) Cote on June 16, 1953. She led a remarkable, adventurous and fun-filled life, making friends at every stop along the way.

Following her Class of 1971 graduation from Rumford High, Deborah enjoyed several jobs. Her love of and genuine interest in people allowed her to excel in the retail trade. Employers throughout New England included Morton’s of Dover, Alie’s Jewelry, Cabot House, The Custom Shop and Rochester Big & Tall. She was an American Society of Interior Designers member. Her last position was with Serendipity Women’s Clothing in Portland.

Deborah’s true passion was her art. Extremely talented and creative, she loved to paint. Many friends and family members were gifted samples of her work over the years. Five of her original paintings were created for and displayed in the production of her play “Timeline.” These appeared on stage in both the 2018 Portland Ballet Theater production and the 2021 Portsmouth Players’ Ring production. Deb based the play on her life, showing her strength and resilience in the face of countless hardships. It was co-written with her good friend, Roland Robinson.

Once she left Maine in 1977, Deb discovered a love for bright city lights and travel. Boston always held a special place in her heart once she and Mark spent several years there. Aruba became her favorite and most frequently visited vacation spot. Other destinations included Washington, D.C., Quebec, New York, Chicago, Montreal, Bermuda, Las Vegas, Tucson and San Diego.

She was preceded in death by: two of her sisters, Marguerite “Meg” Wermenchuk and Evelyn Hotham; and by her five Cote brothers, Richard “Dicky”, Philip, John “Jack”, Remi, and James “Jim.”

Deborah is survived by: her loving husband of 47 years, Mark; also by her sister, Marie and husband Doyle Woods of Rumford;by her father-in-law, Richard Anderson of York; her sister-in-law, Beth Sweet of Falls Church, Virginia; her brother-in-law, Hal Anderson and his partner Gary Shattuck of Shapleigh; and her brother-in-law Gary, Anderson and his wife Linda of Tucson, Arizona. Aunt Deb is also survived by many cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews too numerous to mention.

One of the warmest and brightest lights in our world has finally extinguished itself. But our fond and joyous memories will be with us always.

A gathering of remembrance will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, with a memorial service at 3 p.m. at Cote Funeral Home Chapel, 87 James St., Saco.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to The Harris Victory Fund at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/biden-victory-fund-2.