Debra “Debbie” Brownell, age 71, of Milford, MA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, after a brief but fierce battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family in her new dream home in Fuquay-Varina, NC.

Born on April 29, 1954, in Dover, NH, Debbie was the daughter of Lawrence Raymond Brownell, Sr. and Patricia Ann (Caswell) Brewer. She spent most of her life in Rochester, NH, before relocating to Milford, MA to enjoy her retirement years closer to her beloved granddaughters. She was a proud graduate of Spaulding High School, Class of 1972.

Debbie dedicated her entire career to Eastern Propane in Rochester, where she worked for 47 years, building lasting friendships and countless cherished memories. Outside of work, she was an avid fan of stock car racing and spent many Saturday nights trackside in her younger years. She was also an accomplished candlepin bowler and enjoyed sewing. Known for her remarkable memory, Debbie delighted friends and family with her vivid recall of dates and events from decades past.

In retirement, Debbie found her greatest joy in spending time with her two beautiful granddaughters, often beginning her Christmas shopping for them as early as August each year. She also enjoyed building Lego sets, listening to Morgan Wallen on repeat, and painting small rocks that she would secretly leave around town for others to discover. Her favorite place, however, was on the sidelines of the Nipmuc High School soccer field, where she rarely missed a game while cheering on the Varsity Girls team over the past seven years.

Debbie is survived by her son, Heath Merrill; her granddaughters, Isabelle Merrill and Gretchen Merrill; and her “forever” daughter-in-law, Mary Merrill. She is also survived by her father, Lawrence “Buster” Brownell, Sr.; her siblings, Lawrence “Skip” Brownell, Jr. and his wife, Judy; Paul Boulanger and his wife, Kathy; Rebecca Brownell-Smith and her husband, Troy, and sister-in-law Christine Brownell. She also leaves behind those she considered “more than cousins”—Rhonda Kimball, Daniel Wahlers, Nicholas Wahlers, Madison Bowser, and Tanner Kimball—as well as her cherished Irish Doodle and devoted companion, Tango.

She was predeceased by her mother, Patricia Brewer, step-mother, Maxine Brownell and her brother, James Brownell, Sr.

Visiting hours will be held at Peaslee Funeral Home in Farmington, NH, on Tuesday April 28, 2026, from 5:00pm – 7:00pm. A private burial service for family will be held at Pine Grove Cemetery in Farmington, NH on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Debbie’s memory to the American Cancer Society.