On the last day of August, and right before a spectacular sunset, Deb Pansa headed off to her next big adventure — surrounded by her incredible children Laurie, Tammy and Drew (Holly). She was a generous soul who answered to many names — Dorothy (only in formal settings), Happy (at summer camp), Deb (to her friends), Mum (to her kids) and Nanny to her loving grandkids.

If you were lucky enough to know Deb, you likely remember her sparkling eyes, her mischievous smile and her love for life! She loved with all of her heart. She loved the water, animals and most of all her family and friends.

Deb was born in 1945 at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Chelsea, Mass. Her first adventures were with her parents (Richard & Dorothy Blomquist) and siblings (Dianne, Dorna and Dale), driving across the country as her father’s U.S. Navy assignments changed. She lived in Massachusetts, Florida, Washington and California before settling down in Bristol, R.I.

Back in Rhode Island, her children were born and raised, with aunts and uncles and cousins and pets galore. Deb was always smiling, always hugging and always holding on to some sort of sweet treat. Deb found her calling as a teacher — of swimming lessons, preschoolers and young people. Teaching was perfect for Deb, as it allowed her to share her vast knowledge of random facts and signature catch phrases, such as “Better than a hairy angel” and “Not bad for a nickel.”

She was a sharer — of love, of knowledge and also of trinkets. Over the years, Deb worked for several YMCA camps as a swim instructor. Deb was also a committed Girl Scout — as a leader, a volunteer and of course a Camp Director. Many former staff will fondly recall nights filled with campfires, s’mores and of course fun songs! One of the best descriptions of Deb was shared with one of her nephews: “Debbie is your aunt?? She’s crazy as a loon and the kind of person EVERYONE should know!”

In honor of Deb, please spend some time with your loved ones, and consider a donation to the American Liver Foundation. You can donate online at www.liverfoundation.org (please choose “In Memoriam” and put Deb Pansa as the honoree. You may also send a check to Sherri Singer, c/o American Liver Foundation, 10 Fisher Street, Apt. 1106, Foxboro, MA 02035.