Debbie Lee Tucci-Griffin

Debbie was born in Portland on August 30, 1962; the youngest daughter of the late Carlo and Jane (Sprague) Tucci. She attended local schools and graduated in 1980 from Portland High School.

As a young mother Debbie worked at Fairchild Semiconductor, however her loving and caring nature soon led her to a rewarding career in childcare. She worked as a director at “A Child’s Place” daycare and later as an exceptional provider at “Lollipop Lane” for several years before eventually branching out on her own. Her natural mothering skills were allowed to blossom both at home and in her work life. Caring for children was such a natural fit for Debbie and was demonstrated by the deep connections she made with her children and their families. These relationships were second to none.

Being surrounded by family was when Debbie was most happy. She enjoyed camping and the great outdoors, crafting and cooking for her loving husband, kids and anyone who walked through her door. She has many fans of her secret spaghetti sauce, and ‘Debbie-MacMuffins.” Although her time was short, she made sure to fill every moment with joy, happiness, love and LOTS of laughter. Her fun and outgoing spirit was unsurpassed and anyone that met her fell in love with her smile. She will be dearly missed.

Predeceasing Debbie were her parents, her sister Barbara Joy Tucci and her dear friend Donna Warren.

Surviving is her loving husband Les Griffin of Portland; her daughters, Vanessa Kearns and husband Gary of Windham, Haley Griffin of Portland with soon to be grandson Nikolas; her son Robert Staples Jr. of Portland; dear friend Marie Lawson, and many other friends and extended family members.

Friends and family are invited to attend a period of visitation for Debbie this Wednesday, April 9, 2014 from 5pm to 7pm at the Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland; where a funeral service for her will be held on Thursday the 10th at 11:00am. Burial will follow at Forest City Cemetery of South Portland.

For those that desire, in lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorials be made in Debbie’s honor to the National Breast Cancer Foundation at www.nationalbreastcancer.org

To leave messages of condolence or sign the online guestbook please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com