AUBURN – Deborah Kay Mauro, 57, of 294 Hotel Road, Auburn, died Thursday, Feb. 15, at the Clover Manor Nursing Home in Auburn, following an eight year battle with Alzheimer’s.

Born in Dorset, Vt., on May 22, 1949, she was the daughter of James K. and Martha E. Coolidge Harwood.

She was a graduate of Winslow High School, Class of 1967, and the University of Maine, Presque Isle.

On Dec. 23, 1972, she married to John M. Mauro Jr.

Prior to her illness, she was employed as a teacher at Oxford Hills High School in South Paris, and for many years in the Auburn School System. An athlete at heart, Deborah ran three marathons, several half marathons, and many 5 and 10K races.

She also enjoyed biking and hiking, and was a triathlete, but her true passion was skiing. She spent as much time as possible skiing at Sugarloaf with her husband, her children, and many lifelong friends.

She was a loving and devoted wife and mother, and also loved her dog, Sugarloaf, and cat, Elie.

Her family always came first, far ahead of her own needs, and they were her pride and joy.

She was a beautiful and loving soul who touched the lives of everyone whom she encountered.

A member of St. Joseph’s Parish, she is survived by her husband of 34 years, John of Auburn; a son, John M. Mauro III of Seattle, Wash.; a daughter, Krista Kay Murray and husband, Jared, of Turner; a brother, James Harwood and wife, Helen, of Lewiston; and a sister, Susan Rollins of Port Crane, N.Y.

The family would like to thank the staff members of The Lamp, Clover Manor and Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice for the loving care they gave Deborah over the past few years.