Deborah Jean Page

Debbie Norton Page, 65, of South Portland died Sunday, September 8, 2019 after a very brief but exhaustive disagreement with cancer. She passed under the exceptional care of some very special nurses at Maine Medical Center, surrounded by her daughter's and the love of her life James. Debbie was born in Portland, the third child of Philip and Dolores "Dot" Norton. She grew up in South Portland with her four siblings and graduated from South Portland High School in 1973. Debbie was a head majorette and had a bit of a rebellious soul in her formative years that, although she seemed to grow out of herself, she appreciated in those around her. Light hearted mischief was always afoot around the five of them. Debbie became a mother early to Gretchen, who quickly became the Norton mascot, and the two grew up together. To this day, Debbie's crowning achievement will always be choosing the best father for Gretchen in Richard Page, and giving her two sisters to have alongside her through life, Meghan and Nichole. Debbie was a 'jack of all trades', and called hair stylist, florist, bartender, mailroom manager, and cook all occupations within her lifetime. She was a dreamer, and quite artistic, and couldn't be bothered to settle on one thing. She was the life of the party, and her energy was infectious. She loved winters at Evergreen Valley, snickerdoodle cookies, cats, and had an irrational love of snowmen decorations at all times of the year, much to the chagrin of her teenage daughters. Her home was an oasis for all neighborhood children, and all were greeted with the apt term of endearment 'Brat' or 'Animal'. She taught her daughters to be fierce and uncompromising, however difficult that has become for their spouses. Children grown, Debbie and Rick parted ways, though remained friends until his passing 11 years ago. She met her life partner in Jimmy and had spent the last 18 years happy and content in the life they built together. Debbie was predeceased by her mother Dot, father Phil, and ex-husband Rick. She is survived by her partner James Brackley, and their cat Spaz; daughter's Gretchen Kamszik and husband, Gary of Limington, Meghan Buck and husband, Edward of South Portland, and Nichole Page and partner, Tom Brunette of Cape Elizabeth; Her eight grandchildren Danielle, Sean, Alexander, Sierra, Oscar, Paige, Sadie and John Thomas. She is also survived by brothers Terry Norton and wife Suzanne, Ronald Norton and wife Sangeeta, Philip Norton III and wife Sherry, and the best sister she could have ever asked for, Karyn Gerity. Many nieces, nephews, and their children completed her rambunctious family. We would again like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the nurses of Maine Medical Centers P2C Adult Medicine & Cardiology Department who worked tirelessly to give Debbie a pain-free and dignified passing. Their constant support of us and our wishes will never be forgotten. An open-house style celebration of life will be held on Sunday, September 14th, 11am to 2pm at the home of Nichole and Tom, at 10 Brentwood Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107. All are welcome who wish to pay respects to her, or those she loved. Debbie's wish was to spend forever at sea, and her ashes will be spread in private with family. Flower arrangements may be sent to the Brentwood Address in care of Nichole Page. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Debbie's name to: Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, 217 Landing Rd., Westbrook, Maine, 04096.