UPPER ENCHANTED TOWNSHIP — Deborah Ann Winchenbach, 73, of Upper Enchanted Township, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on November 21, 2023, at her brother’s home in Bremen. 

Deborah was born on August 21, 1950, in Damariscotta to Verge Prior Sr. and Sarah (Teele) Prior. She grew up in Bremen and attended local schools, graduating from Lincoln Academy in 1968. Deborah met and married the love of her life, Ronald Winchenbach on June 12, 1971.

She worked at the Medomak Canning Factory, Sylvania, built lobster traps, and ended her working career at the Miller School in Waldoboro as an Ed Tech. She spoke often of the children that she was so proud to have helped along the way.

Deborah was an extraordinary thoughtful and giving person. She had a way of identifying those in need in her community. Whether it was paying for groceries for the family behind her at the checkout, donating clothes to local families or simply lending an ear to someone when they needed to talk, Deb was always thinking of others. 

She lived life to the fullest with an infectious zesty blend of joy, laughter and a love of family. She made every attempt to attend special events (birthdays, graduations, concerts, etc.) to show her support to others and acknowledge how proud she was of her family. She was very thoughtful when it came to the little things that mattered and knew exactly how to liven up a gathering with a sense of humor that was unrivaled.   

Deborah loved the outdoors, fishing, exploring the back roads of northwestern Maine and spending time with her husband Ronnie. Upon retirement they built their beautiful mountain top off-grid home and spent many happy years together with their beloved dog “Shamoo”. Shamoo brought such joy to her life, kept her company thru the seasons and never left her side.  

One of her favorite activities was spending time with her older sister Gerry and frequenting the Goodwill and Pound Store in Portland looking for bargains. 

She was predeceased by her parents; sister Geraldine Fahey; brother-in-law George Fahey; nephew Mark Fahey and sister-in-law Ruth Ann Prior. 

She is survived by her husband, Ronald Winchenbach of Upper Enchanted Township; brother Verge “Sonny” Prior Jr of Bremen; nephews V. Stephen Prior III and husband Noel of York, Dennis Prior and wife Michele of Bremen, Michael Fahey and wife Lorna of Nobleboro, Gregory Tolman of Washington, Karl Winchenbach of New Hampshire, Kenneth Winchenbach Walden of Bath, David Linscott of Topsham; nieces Rebecca Stenger of Sidney, Shari Whalen of Sedgwick and Sara Winchenbach of Mount Desert Island; great nephews Mike Fahey of Nobleboro, Danny Fahey of Portland, Nicholas Prior of Bremen; great nieces Sarah and Katelyn Prior of Bremen, Erin Dawn Michaud of Bremen; sisters-in-law Barbara Linscott of Washington and Dale Tolman of Waldoboro; and brother-in-law Kenneth Winchenbach of Blue Hill. 

The family will honor Deborah’s life privately. In lieu of flowers, donations in Deborah’s name can be made to any local animal shelter and by recognizing those less fortunate in your community and finding ways to make a difference thru kindness.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hall’s of Waldoboro.

To extend online condolences, light a candle for Deborah or to share a story or picture, please visit Deborah’s Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com