HOLLIS- Debra “Sneb” Hanson Silver, Hollis, Maine age 61. January 4, 2023, heaven became a little jollier today with the passing of Debra Vivian Hanson Silver beloved mother, daughter, sister, niece, aunt, cousin, caregiver and friend to so many.
She was born June 24, 1961, to Frank & Gloria (Bickford) Hanson of Hollis. Attending Hollis Schools setting several statewomen’s track & field records at Bonny Eagle High School. Deb loved activities bowling, basketball, softball, snowmobiling, playing cribbage, attending Scott & Laurie’s Annual Christmas Party, going to the Oxford Casino, Aquatic Zumba, serving as a Hollis Election Clerk, providing free babysitting and traveling. After babysitting for many local families as a teenager, Deb began her working career at Tory Hill Restaurant and Store under the ownership of Steve Hall and later worked at Your Country Store when owned by Ron & Wendy Sargent. She drove a potato chip truck for Humpy Dumpty & Wise, Trolleys in the summer at Old Orchard Beach and a police cruiser when she was a Deputy for York County Sheriff’s Department. They was nothing Deb could not drive. She spent 24 years driving school bus for MSAD #6 and worked tirelessly as the Union Representative for The SAD 6 Support Staff Association (Bus Drivers, Food Service, Custodians, Mechanics, Maintenance Personnel and Monitors). Deb always fought for any underdog.
Deb loved and was so proud of her son Alex and all of his accomplishment’s college, owning a home and employment at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
Deb was the kind of friend you could call at 11 pm and say your child is sick and in Boston and She will be right over to pick you up. She is the person that noticed a child’s boots had holes and would quietly work to get them a new pair. She kept mittens on her school bus. If you never had the chance to ride Deb’s Old Orchard Beach Trolley, you missed an adventure. She loved to have family ride especially her great nieces and nephews who received a kiss and hug every time they boarded; They may have been given the opportunity to sit behind the trolley’s steering wheel too.
Deb brightened any room she walked into with her contagious smile and when given the opportunity immediately reaching out to hold any baby, toddler or child. At every charity event she could be found buying raffle tickets. It has been reported that during recess duty at Hollis Elementary School she could be found on the buddy bench with a line of kids waiting just to talk with her. Children loved Miss Deb.
Deb was frequently invited to weddings, and she would purchase a new tank top and Crocs to wear to the event. She collected friends, stray dogs and cats. If you were her friend, you were her family. Loving a good party, she was creative in her gifts recently wrapping a grand nieces birthday gift in a bungie cord when she could not locate any scotch tape. She loved to give, help and listen as a friend.
She Loved to drive and be on the road. Her buddy, her Dad “Puppy” would take off on a Saturday morning for many adventures together.
She is predeceased by her grandparents Arthur& Florence (Gerry) Bickford, J. Ansel & Evelyn (Haley) Hanson, her mother Gloria Hanson and stepmother Avis Hannaford Hanson and her beloved cousins Tom Hanson and Susan Bickford.
She is survived by her son Alex Silver of Springvale, ex-husband Paul Silver of Westbrook, companion Arthur “Artie” Baptista and his family who she loved like her own, father Frank G Hanson of Hollis, Sister, Martha (Harlan) Huff, brothers; Dan (Patricia) Hanson of Hollis and Big Phil Hanson of Buxton.
Uncles George, Paul and Bob, Aunt Millie Hanson, Great Uncle Elwin Gerry of Hollis and Great Aunt Lorna Murrell of Portland
Her nieces and nephews: Christie (Jason) Fournier of Pennsylvania, Jerry Hanson of Biddeford, Chad Young, Merydeth (Adam) Charlton, Amanda (Christopher) Graham all of Hollis.
Great Nieces: Willow St. Clair, Elyana Graham; Great Nephews: Gavin (USMC), Ethan and Aiden Fournier, Ryker Stiffler, Connor and Sawyer Charlton.
Deb leaves behind a huge family of relatives and her first cousins were her siblings too, on the Hanson side: Becky Bowley, Nancy Hogan, Scott, Robbie, Brian Ellis and Donna Hanson.
On the Bickford side are Shelly, Stacy, Sonia, Heather, Kelly, Tracy, Dwight, Duane, Laura, Robyn, Bubba and Shanna.
A celebration of Life is being held on January 14, 2023, beginning with 1pm visiting hour and the service beginning at 2pm at Bonny Eagle High School, 700 Saco Road, Standish, Maine with Rev. Ronald Sargent Officiating. Dress is casual Deb loved a good t-shirt and a pair of crocs.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Bonny Eagle Back Pack Program, this program provides food to hungry children when school is not open.
Checks may be made payable to the Bonny Eagle Backpack Program
Edna Libby School Attn: Ruth Warren
45 Fort Hill Road
Standish, Maine 04084
Please write in memory of Deb Silver in the memo line.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com