SOUTH PORTLAND — Deborah A. Lucas, R.N., 59, of South Portland, passed away on Monday October 19, 2015 at Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston after a long and courageous battle with lymphoma with her family by her side.

She was born in Rockland on Jan. 19, 1956, the daughter of Charles and Joan Look Brown. She was educated in Rockland schools, graduating from Rockland High School, Class of 1974. She also was a graduate from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing.

Deborah worked as a registered nurse for the last 20 years in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Maine Medical Center until her illness.

In 1986, Deborah met David W. Lucas, and they were married on April 9, 1988, in Portland, where they raised their family in South Portland.

Debbie's many friends and co-workers all knew her as a generous and compassionate person. Always thinking of others before herself. These qualities served her well in her work as a caregiver.

Away from work, Debbie loved to spend time with her family and friends, spending enjoyable times boating and camping while the children were growing up. In recent years, she enjoyed riding with her husband on their motorcycle, taking several long trips. She also enjoyed spending time with her large extended family in the Rockland and Jonesboro areas, including an annual Christmas party, and family reunions and weddings of her many cousins. One of her favorite passions was doing genealogy, and was a longtime member of the Maine Old Cemeteries Association serving as its newsletter editor.

She was predeceased by her father.

In addition to her mother of Winslow; she leaves her beloved husband, David Lucas of South Portland; two daughters, Kelsey Lucas of Pensacola, Fla., and Sarah Lucas of South Portland; a brother, Charles and his wife, Kristin Brown, of South Thomaston; and many cousins, a niece and nephew, whom she was very close too.

Relative and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation on Tuesday, Oct. 27 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. in Portland. A celebration of life will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Philip Shearman officiating. Interment will follow in New Calvary Cemetery in South Portland.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to Dana Farber Cancer Institute at danafarbergiving.org.