NORTH WATERBORO- Deborah (Nelson) Conlon, "Deb" or "Debbie", of Waterboro, ME, age 56, passed away at home after a long battle with kidney disease.
Deb was born July 30,1961 in Holden, Massachusetts to Richard W. and Joyce A. Nelson and graduated from Wachusett Regional High School and also attended University of Southern Maine.
Deb brought her exuberant personality to cashier and supervisory positions at Macy's, Lowes Home Improvement and Hannaford Supermarket. She liked working in the retail industry because she loved people and was adept at striking up conversations with anyone and making them laugh. Everywhere she worked, her co-workers knew when she was on duty, "Oh, that laugh".
"It was impossible not to like Debbie", said her husband Tom. "SHE WAS PURE SUNSHINE." " One of the things our daughter Heather and I would like to do", said her husband Tom," was to challenge her to a staring contest. She would never win, she would just start giggling."
One of Deb's favorite things to do was to frequent the beach, swim and sun worship. She and her husband spent many summers exploring the local beaches. It was her desire to someday swim with dolphins.
Deb loved to spend time with her daughter and volunteered as a chaperone on school field trips."The kids loved her", said her daughter Heather. "I've lost my best friend".
There were no pretensions to be Debbie, she loved everyone. People were always shocked to learn she had received a kidney transplant 12 years ago. She always faced her medical challenges with a smile on her face and a positive attitude. While others facing kidney failure might become bitter, she was always upbeat, always smiling, always laughing.
Deb is survived by her husband Thomas Conlon of Waterboro Maine, daughter Heather Conlon of Waterboro, Maine, sister Sandy Nelson Roughan of Plymouth,Massachusetts, sister Wendy Nelson of Bonita Springs, Florida, parents Richard and Joyce Nelson of Bonita Springs, Florida and many other grieving relatives and friends.
Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday May 22 from 5-7pm at Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service Chapel, 498 Long Plains Road (Rt. 22) in Buxton, Maine.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday June 2 at 1pm at the First Congregational Church, UCC, South Portland located on 301 Cottage Road.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd St., New York, NY 10016.