Freedom, NH – Deborah Ann Newell, 71, of Freedom, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026, surrounded by her loving husband, David, and grandson, Jayson.
Born in Laconia, New Hampshire, on September 15, 1954, Deborah lived a life defined by faith, strength, devotion, and unwavering love for those closest to her.
Deborah was predeceased by her beloved sister, Linda Smith; her parents, Robert and Lucille Smith; and her cherished grandson, Johnathan Lessard.
She leaves behind her devoted husband, David Newell, with whom she built a beautiful life rooted in love, family, and hard work. She is also survived by her loving daughter, Amanda Lessard; her brothers, Robert Smith Jr., Randall Smith, and Jeffrey Smith; her grandchildren, Gerard Lessard, Dylan Lessard, Jayson Lessard, Sierra Lessard, and Isabella Lessard; as well as her two great-granddaughters Layla and Hadley, and great-grandson, Koe Lessard.
Together, Deborah and David proudly owned the Summer Freeze Ice Cream and The Newell Post Restaurant, where her strong work ethic and brilliant business sense were admired by many. Deborah worked as an accountant throughout her life and was known for her intelligence, professionalism, and determination. Yet beyond her accomplishments, it was her love for her family that defined her the most.
A devoted Catholic, Deborah deeply loved the Lord and faithfully served as a parishioner of IHM Church. Her faith guided her life and was reflected in the compassion, strength, and grace she showed to others every day.
Deborah was fiercely devoted to her family and especially treasured her role as a grandmother. To many of her grandchildren, she was far more than a grandmother-she was a second mother, protector, teacher, and constant source of love and stability. She helped raise her grandchildren with endless patience, wisdom, and encouragement, leaving an immeasurable impact on their lives.
She loved being involved in her grandchildren’s lives, even working as a lunch lady at the high school simply to remain close to them and support them daily. Deborah also enjoyed playing softball in her church league, bringing the same fierce spirit and determination to the field that she carried throughout her life.
Those who knew Deborah will remember her as classy yet strong, elegant yet fierce, deeply trustworthy, and endlessly dependable. She carried herself with dignity, loved wholeheartedly, and gave selflessly to everyone around her. Her presence brought comfort, guidance, and strength to her family, and her loss leaves a space that can never truly be filled.
Deborah’s legacy lives on through the family she loved so deeply, the values she instilled, and the countless lives she touched with her kindness, faith, and unwavering devotion.
ARRANGEMENTS: The Memorial Mass will be held on Wednesday, June 10th at 10:30 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 180 Loudon Rd., Concord NH, followed by a time of fellowship in the church hall. Burial will be at a later date at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Deborah’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association at the following link: Click Here
Assisting the family with arrangements is the Cremation Society of NH, Boscawen. To view Deborah’s Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.csnh.com.
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