PORTLAND – Debra Jean Shaw, 52, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Tuesday, March 16, 2021.

She was born on Oct. 11, 1968 in Portland, the daughter of Robert and Georgia (Young) Shaw. She was educated locally at Woodfords Educational Center (a special need school) graduating from class of 1989. She attended Special Olympics in her younger years and won many medals. She worked at Morrison in Scarborough. Debra had many friends and when she went out she would say to strangers, “I’m Debbie, what’s your name?” She loved animals and going to the fairs.

Debbie lived in a group home with her friends Lisa and Denise. In her younger years she wanted to be called Aunt Debbie to her father’s three cats, Smokey, Callie and Oreo. In 1988 the Make a Wish Foundation granted a wish for her to meet and go out to eat with John Denver. She enjoyed going to visit her Aunt Susan in Portland.

She was predeceased by her mother, Georgia Shaw; grandmother, Berta Young; aunt, Judy Sanderson; grandparents, Elwood and Carmela Shaw’ and her aunt, Judy Shaw.

She is survived by her father, Robert Shaw and stepmother, Marilee Shaw of Danville; uncle, Dick and Clara Shaw of South Paris; Shella Janesco of Oxford, Steven and Michael Shaw, her aunt, Susan Shaw of Portland, uncle, Andy Sanderson of Auburn; stepsister, Missi and Shawn Boyd and family of Danville; stepbrother, Charles and Nikki Fortier and family of South Paris; uncle Andy Sanderson of Auburn; and a longtime friend, Marlene Fritz-Heffernon of Portland.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of Portland. To view Debra’s memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit http://www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.



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