Debra A. Kenney

SANFORD–A Mass of Christian Burial for Debra Ann Kenney (née Bernier) will be held on June 11th at 10:00 am at Holy Family Church, 66 North St., Sanford with interment of cremated remains at St. Ignatius Cemetery. A reception, following the service, will be held at Black-Heald Walker Funeral Home, 580 Main St., Springvale.

Debbie died on March 4, 2025 at the age of 65 after having lived with multiple sclerosis (MS) for many years. MS robbed her of more and more over those years including the loss of her work as a receptionist at Counseling Services, Inc., the loss of her beloved home on Shaw’s Ridge Rd., the ever-increasing losses of independence she had to face, and the loss of the small pleasures which brought her joy.

Debra Ann Bernier was born on August 26, 1959 in Sanford. She attended local schools and graduated from Sanford High School in 1977.

Her work life included that of being a secretary/ receptionist for Dr. Vachon, Sanford Junior High, and CSI. Debbie moved to Birchwoods at Canco in Portland following her diagnosis of breast cancer when she was no longer able to live independently. When a higher level of care was required, she chose Summer Commons in Sanford and a return to her home town. There she developed a strong connection to the staff of the August Unit. Their caring, warmth, and attention made all the difference in her quality of life during her final two years of life.

Debbie took especially great joy in any and all dogs who might drop by for a visit. A highlight for her last June was meeting and spending time with Rocky, her brother’s yellow lab. She appreciated greatly when staff brought their own pets in to see her as well as when they shared pictures and stories about them. Debbie was predeceased by her parents, Helene and Paul Bernier. She is survived by her brother Steven and his wife Sherry Jude of Calabash, NC and her sister Claire Becotte Harrison and her husband Bill of Portland, ME and Sarasota, FL.