Deborah “Debbie” Jean Sukeforth Millay, 75, of Burkettville, Maine, departed this world on January 15, 2024, after a long and valiant battle with an overabundance of ailments, most recently COVID-19 (#WearAMask). She was surrounded by loved ones, prayer, and song.

Debbie was born on October 20, 1948, to Frank and Gwendolyn (Esancy) Sukeforth. The sixth of their nine children, she inherited her mother’s passion for cooking and her father’s stiff upper lip. She grew into a top-notch human being, and her life was a testament to her kind, generous, and courageous character.

Besides Snickers bars, there is nothing Debbie loved more than her family, who will miss her more than rap misses Tupac. She is survived by her adoring husband of 49.583 years, Stanley Millay; son Jason Young and wife Melissa; daughter Heidi Millay and husband Faruk; stepdaughter Laurie Millay and husband Suko; grandchildren Shawna Garnett and husband Nicolas, Nicole Monroe and husband Ethan, Justin Young, and Elif Millay Sarikaya; great-grandchildren Michael, Grace, and Rose Garnett and Ian, Gwendolyn, and Skylar Monroe; sister Patty Young, brothers Doug Sukeforth and wife Rita, Maynard Sukeforth and wife Brigitte, Frank Sukeforth Jr., and Gary Sukeforth; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws. A special shoutout also to Debbie’s honorary sons, Jeremy Glasier and James McDevitt.

Debbie is preceded in death by her son, Jeremy Millay; sister Judy (Eddie) Jordan; and brothers Jerry (Kaye) Sukeforth and Gordon (Connie) Sukeforth.

After graduating as salutatorian from Camden-Rockport High School in 1967, Debbie pursued studies in accounting and applied her smarts to a variety of professional endeavors, from banker to bookkeeper. In 1997 she and her family opened Burkettville General Store, where she worked until her retirement. She often could be spotted in the store’s kitchen, loading up pizzas and subs.

Feeding people was Debbie’s love language. Whether it was 15 pies for Thanksgiving (everyone got their own!) or 150 biscuits for a baked bean supper, she was never happier than in her apron and up to her elbows in flour. In 2005 she published her own cookbook, a collection of more than 800 of her recipes, many from family, neighbors, and friends.

Debbie also had a zest for games: card games, board games, word games – you name it, she’d play it (and probably destroy you). Her other hobbies included reading, hunting, fishing, genealogy, and spending time with her family. She especially enjoyed trips to the family’s camp up North, her happy place.

Debbie was very active in her community. She was a member of the Medomak Valley Grange for over 60 years, and she attended South Liberty Baptist Church for nearly as long. She was involved with her local 4-H club for many years, teaching young people life skills and good citizenship. She also delighted in presiding over weddings as a marriage officiant.

A committal will take place at Miller Cemetery in Appleton, Maine, on Tuesday, May 28th, 2024, at 10:00 AM, followed by a celebration of Debbie’s life at the Community Hall in Liberty, Maine, from 11:30-2:00. Refreshments will be served, and please bring your fondest remembrances of Debbie to share. In the meantime, eat some pie, play some games, and hug your loved ones in her memory.

Commemorative donations may be made to Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine.

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