Quiet demeanor belied her sharp wit
Published December 11, 2019
YORK, Maine — Deborah J. Cantwell, 63, of Wellington Avenue, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019 at her beloved beach house in York Beach, Maine surrounded by family and friends.
She was born March 13, 1956 in Medford to the late Bernard P. and Jeanne F. (Doucet) Murphy of Lynnfield.
Debbie was a mother and homemaker whose quiet demeanor belied her sharp wit and great warmth. Over the decades, from Mansfield to Pepperell, Mass. to York Beach, she and her beloved husband of 32 years, Donald L. Cantwell, effortlessly hosted streams of family and friends, sponsored outdoor blues concerts, and gave her parents Bernie and Jeanne comfort in their later years.
She leaves a daughter, Marissa R. Cantwell of Manchester, New Hampshire; and a son, Andrew L. Cantwell of Charlestown. She is also survived by two sisters: Cynthia M. Murphy and her husband Stephen M. Burke of Mill Valley, California; and Lisa M. Douglas and her husband Scott of Ramona, California. She is also survived along with several nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the York Harbor Inn on Sunday, Dec. 15 at noon.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701. Lucas & Eaton Funeral Home in York, Maine is assisting with arrangements. To sign the guestbook or to access directions, visit lucaseatonfuneralhome.com.
