Debra Small

MECHANIC FALLS – Debra Small, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on March 11, 2026, surrounded by the family she loved so deeply. She was 71 years old.

Born on Sept. 1, 1954, in Lewiston, Maine, Debra made her home in Mechanic Falls, Maine, where she built a life full of warmth, devotion, and cherished memories. For 48 years, she was a loving wife to her husband, Robert Small.

A woman of faith, Debra’s belief was a quiet but steady presence in all that she did, guiding her with grace and grounding her in love for others.

Debra had a lifelong passion for helping others in their time of need. What began as a calling in her earliest years as a candy striper blossomed into a distinguished career as a registered nurse, dedicated to providing compassionate care to the elderly. She brought her patients warmth and a steady, caring presence.

Debra had a wanderlust that was as much a part of her as her generous spirit. Together with her husband, Robert, she lived out so many dreams and created a lifetime of memories traveling the world. Closer to home, she spent many years sailing the Maine coast, visiting local beaches, and exploring trails throughout some of Maine’s most beautiful backdrops.

She had a gift for making those around her feel seen and valued — whether they had known her for decades or just a few moments. Her grandchildren meant the world to her, and to them she was Grammy — a soft place to land, a constant source of warmth, playfulness, and laughter, and a presence whose love left a mark that time will not fade.

Debra is survived by her husband, Robert; her son, Christian Small and his wife Bridget of Fall Brook, Calif., her daughter, Emily Elliot and her husband Benjamin of Scarborough, Maine, her daughter, Abigail Cooke and her husband Thomas of Windham, Maine; her five cherished grandchildren, Samuel and Joshua Elliot, Jude and Jackson Small, and a precious granddaughter yet to be born; her beloved sister, Cynthia Martin and her husband Gary of Lewiston, Maine; and many cherished sister and brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

She was predeceased by her mother and father, Janice and George Kern; her sister, Sandra Kern; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Eleanor and Francis Small; and her niece, Lesley Martin.

Debra’s family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the wonderful staff at Beacon Hospice for enabling Debra to stay in her home, and for guiding our family through this difficult time.

Online condolences may be shared with her family at http://www.chandlerfunerals.com. Arrangements under the care of Chandler Funeral Home, 26 West dwinal Street, Mechanic Falls.

She will be deeply missed, and forever remembered.