1957 – 2013

FARMINGTON — Debra Ann Robidoux passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 2, at her home in Farmington, after a long illness, with loved ones at her side.

Deb was born in Caribou on June 24, 1957, to Rachel and Earl Robidoux. She spent her early childhood as one of six children. By age six, several problems had occurred with her ears and as a result she became deaf. Shortly thereafter, her family moved to New Hampshire, where they were unable to find adequate services for her, so she was moved to Pineland, where she spent the next 18 years. Her family sent her packages, pictures and visited often.

Deb liked to wander around the grounds at Pineland and enjoyed helping the younger residents. She liked to engage in group games, the trampoline, bowling, floor hockey and playing ball. While at Pineland, she learned some sign language and used gestures to communicate with people.

In March 1981, she moved to “Our House” in Farmington. In 1986, when LEAP opened a third home called Davis Road, she moved in with two other residents. Deb lived there ever since and considered it her home. She worked her entire career at Work First Inc., and held many jobs, from cleaning duties to stocking shelves for a local store. She loved to work and understood the satisfaction of working hard and receiving a paycheck at the end of the week.

Deb will be remembered for her trademark hoots expressing her joy, her dramatic gestures and for being a person who always let you know how she felt about those she loved around her. Her friends and family described her as tenacious, genuine, happy, caring, charismatic, determined, authentic, charming and energetic. She loved doing her puzzles, celebrating every holiday, watching the TV, visiting with babies, animals, and spending time with family and friends camping.

Deb was a socialite and enjoyed attending and hosting parties throughout the year. She was a regular at McDonald’s, enjoying her cheeseburgers, fries and seasonal drinks. Over the years, Deb enjoyed vacationing, dances, snowmobiles, four-wheeling, parties and shopping, but most of all simply being with others. The highlight of her year was the annual family camping trips with her housemates, where she got to ride the four-wheelers, canoe and swim. Deb approached life with a “try to stop me attitude” and did not focus on the obstacles that life presented her.

She is survived by her mother and father, Rachel and Earl Robidoux; and her brother and sisters, Doug, Vy, Tammy and Patricia. She will be remembered by many more, including her many coworkers and friends at Work First, countless people she met and touched in her community, but mostly by her second family at LEAP and the dedicated staff who vigilantly sat with her as she passed from this world to the next.

Condolences may be sent for the family at www.adamsmcfarlane.com.