Debra Mae (Shepard) Bowers

Unity – Debra Mae Bowers died peacefully in her sleep at Valley Regional Hospital at 66 years old in Claremont, NH the morning of February 4th, 2025. She succumbed to unexpected sudden pneumonia and sepsis. Debra was born in Lebanon, NH at APD on March 6th, 1958. She was the daughter of Ernest George Shepard, Sr. and Alma Mae Shepard (Labor).

Debra Graduated from Lebanon High School class of 1976. Following graduation she ended up traveling to Florida, where she met her ex husband Craig Allan Bowers. Together they had 3 children. After her divorce she moved back to her home state of NH. Debra later took an LNA course through Genesis Elder Care (Lebanon Center Genesis) where she would start the career that highlighted every aspect of her radiant personality. She was such a natural as an LNA, always thinking of her coworkers, the family members of every patient, and most of all, the patients themselves. Every patient was treated just like they were her own parents. She went out of her way to buy them items, and bring them things she had thought of them enjoying or needing. She never spared a moment to make every patient feel important, loved, and at home. Even if it was listening to their stories or asking about their day and offering encouragement. She received several employee of the month awards. She later took the GNAS course to further her career as an LNA. In addition to loving her job, she enjoyed hobbies such as Bingo, going for walks or strolls with family and even going fishing at a nearby pond. She enjoyed going on outings, whether to the fair, the fireworks, or even the ocean. She was often heard singing “on the road again“ as they went on adventures. She enjoyed watching her TV shows and movies as well as listening to the radio, singing and dancing to it. She just lit up and her personality radiated with stubbornness, independence, sass that was accompanied by jokes, and sarcasm with a giggle and a big sarcastic smile. She never missed a chance to go out to eat. Her most prominent trait was how much of a devoted single mother she was, on more than one occasion, giving up her own needs to make sure her kids had everything, showing a strength that showed no bounds.

Debra is predeceased by her parents Ernest George Shepard and Alma Mae Shepard (Labor), and her 2 brothers, Dana and Richard Brown, and her son Charles Lewis Bowers. 

Debra is survived by her daughter, Heather Renee Blanchette (Bowers) and her husband Philip Blanchette of West Lebanon NH, Heather's eight children with her previous husband James Stanley; Hayden, Leighum, Serenity, Alea, Novamae, Joshuah, Jameson, and Avery, Her daughter Heidi Mae Bowers and her husband Jason of Tunbridge, VT and their three children, Addsion, Dominick, and Alexis. Also her brother Ernest George Shepard, Jr. and his wife Linda Shepard of Newport, NH, and several nieces, nephews, and great nieces.

A celebration of Life will be Held on March 22nd, 2025 at Joseph Smith Birthplace memorial in South Royalton, VT from 11 am to 1pm. All friends and family from all stages of Debra’s life are encouraged to join in! 

No visitation or official funeral will be held. A burial for close family only will follow in late Spring early Summer. Any flowers can be sent to Heidi Bowers to display at Debra's Celebration of Life, any donations can be sent to the family at PO Box 69 Chelsea, VT 05038 or to Debra’s Memorial Gofundme to help with paying for costs of this unexpected loss.

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