Deborah Homer-O’Leary, of Greenland, died on Friday, Sept. 14, 2012 after a valiant 16-month battle with breast cancer. Beloved wife, mother and friend to many, Debby enriched the world with her dance, art, sculpture and creative and joyous spirit. Debby was born in North Adams, Mass., and lived in Wilton during much of her childhood.

Debby earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Emerson College and a master’s in dance from Mills College in Oakland, Calif. She taught dance at the University of Connecticut, as well as at studios in the Seacoast area. After an injury took her away from her dance career, she became a sculptor, creating figurative works that she described as symbols not only of positive energy, but also the devotion and discipline born out of love. Debby exhibited her work locally and every summer at the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen Annual Fair, where she won the Best in Show for bronze sculpture in 2011.

Debby is survived by her husband Michael and sons Aidan and Danny of Greenland, and sister Diana Breed of Needham, Mass. She is also survived by siblings-in-law Patricia Cepeda of Washington, D.C., James and Vicky O’Leary of South Windham, Maine, Richard O’Leary of Limington, Maine, Kevin and Tiki O’Leary of Portland, Maine, and Dr. James and Peggy Powers, of Falmouth, Maine. Debby leaves many nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as many new and old friends who have been touched by her generosity of spirit, humor, energy and love of life. Debby was predeceased by her brother, Bob Homer of Laconia, and her brother-in-law, John J. O’Leary of Washington, D.C.

The family wishes to thank the Hospice Services of Rockingham County and the local community of artists and friends who supported Debby over the past year. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Seacoast Family Food Pantry, 7 Junkins Ave, Portsmouth, NH 03801. SERVICES: A celebration of Debby’s life will be held in October at Sanctuary Arts in Eliot, Maine.