Obituary of Debra Ann Robertson

HOULTON AND EDDINGTON--Sadly, Debra A Briggs Robertson passed away fairly unexpectedly on Wednesday, Cinco de Mayo 2021 following a brief bout with cancer. Born September 19, 1953 in Houlton, Maine to the proud parents Dana (the Greatest Man in the World) and Dolores (Dunphy) Briggs.

Prior to her graduation from Houlton High School in 1971, Debbie was well known in the Houlton area as a waitress in the various local restaurants and diners, as well as being the same type of hard worker in the many local potato fields in the fall.  Her ability to pick potatoes was second only to a new invention we now call the harvester.  As a matter of fact, on any given day, she could probably out-do a harvester if she so desired.  She found great joy in bailing out her baby brother, who often would be 20+ rows behind, only to make sure it was her ticket that was put on the barrel... for a whopping 30 cents.

After graduation, she enrolled in D’Lor Beauty School in Brewer to become a hairdresser.  Some believe she chose D’Lor as it often reminded her of her mother.....  Later, as another testament to her work ethic, she became an instructor for over 20 years before branching out and on to other adventurous endeavors, which were mainly whatever would bring her joy at the time.  Through those endeavors, she met many, many wonderful people who were very near and dear to her heart and always will be.  You all know who you are.

To know Debbie was to love her, and to be loved back.  She also possessed a few other distinct qualities that come to mind; a devoted and loving mother, a caring and fun-loving person, life of the party, “dingy blonde” only to name a few.  She was also known for other characteristics such as; the color purple, a nice glass of wine, and a vast array of shoes and high heels.  As a matter of fact, it is no stretch of the imagination that Payless Shoes would call Debbie when they were out of a certain stock item.  And those of you who enjoy a nice glass of boxed Franzia white wine will now notice the price will soon be down as the supply will soon be up.  As mentioned, she loved people and loved to entertain, whether she was preparing a feed enough for Custer’s army, or joining her family of many friends at a current outing or event.  One of her passions has always been her love for her favorite music and dancing.  She has been known to take the phrase “eat, drink and be merry” to another level, and often overheard saying “who needs a dance floor when you have tables?”.  She thrived on making people happy no matter what obstacles life would, only to make a positive influence in their lives.  Although out of The County for nearly 50 years, she never forgot her County roots.  She cherished the too few times she would travel up to see family & friends, enjoy a camp “outing”, or to simply pick up an acre or two of potatoes to take back home with her. 

Debbie was pre-deceased by her parents Dana and Dolores Briggs; her grandparents Albert and Hilda Briggs, and Albert and Amanda (Nana, who was so special in her life) Dunphy; aunt and uncle Sylvia and Eugene Foster; special aunt Jo Anne Levasseur Dunphy, cousin Albertine Dunphy; very “special” cousin/twin sister/clone Renae Dunphy Lefay, who sadly and coincidentally passed away only two months prior.  Those two were so close and similar.

She is survived by her husband, soul mate, and love of her life Jon Robertson; her two sons who will greatly and dearly miss her, Travis Dana Noyes of Hermon and Mickey Douglas Mitton of Brewer; special stepson Michael Robertson, who will sadly and dearly miss her as well; her two grandchildren who she deeply cherished, Tianna May Mitton, and Quincy Michael Roy Mitton.  Debbie so badly wanted to witness the birth of her soon to be great granddaughter Ava May Mitton, but lost her battle shortly before reaching that day.

Other survivors include; brother Dougie Dougie Dougie and wife Patty Briggs of Connecticut and family Derek (and partner Sara Hovis), Ryan, Kevin and Molly Briggs; special uncle Woodrow Dunphy of Linneus; special cousin Amanda (Dunphy) Murray, husband Dean Murray and family of Kennebunkport; special cousin Fawn Dunphy and husband Mike Hale of South Portland; Renae’s two sons Joshua Parks and Teddy Lefay and families; and also aunts, uncles and generations of cousins from both sides of the family.

Debbie would want to express many thanks to her primary care provider, Dr. McGillicuddy, who would make any necessary house calls at a moment's notice when called upon.  Per her wishes, there will be no services or burial.  Her remains may end up anywhere, so you best beware.  You all had your special relationship and moments with her, so with that, raise your glass with a toast to one (or more) of your favorite memories of you with her.  In the words of her favorite entertainer in life, the King Elvis Presley, she did it “My Way”.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Deb’s memory may be made to; Bridge to Hope Cancer Care, 300 Foxcroft Rd, Houlton ME, 04730, c/o Kim Folsom.  Condolences may be shared at cremationbasics.com