Debora Ann Pope, or Debby, born October 9, 1948 in Ottawa Illinois, passed away April 3, 2026. It is with great relief she finds peace and comfort at last. In life she was known to be fiercely intelligent, a lover of literature, possessing of a strong moral compass, generous, an expert arguer, and a baker.

She was preceded in death by her parents Robert and June Jameson, as well as her grandson Khoran Pope.

She leaves behind her children Stephanie Pope, Zeke Pope (Pamela), Meaghan Pope, Alexandra Miller-Pope (Jason), and Tzigane Pope-Tello (John); her husband Rhey Pope; her grandchildren Melissa Pope, Dominic Pope (fiancée Marissa Pingeton), Logan Pope (fiancée Jesse Takacs), McKenzie Pope, Stella Pope-Tello, Evelyn Pope-Tello, and Amren Miller-Pope; as well as sisters Laurie Holland, and Sara Jameson (Laurie Blake). She also was a great grandmother to Brayden Nestor, and Ezekiel Pope.

Her favorite places to be were with family, in a book or in her most treasured place in the world Moosehead Lake. Maine was her heart. She adored the peace of the mountains and woods. She loved falling asleep to the cries of loons and passed this passion and peace to her children.

In Debby’s younger years her sense of justice and love of a good argument led her to the path of law. Both as a passion of what was just and a career.  Remembered by her kids for her deep respect and interest in Ruth Bader Ginsburg and as spending grueling hours tucked away with a treat of choice to power her through the studying for her own bar exam. Once completed, she shared her knowledge as a teacher of law until multiple sclerosis made it too difficult. Despite that field being lost to her, she practiced in her own way. Making sure to educate any and all who would listen about their unalienable rights, or just fairness in general. Her love of a lively debate continued through her whole life long.

Debby’s love of reading poetry and books surpassed quiet corners. It spread to frequent enthusiastic discussions, and breakdowns. Deep dives into the meaning of individual poems. It spread to her wanting to share that joy with others. She loved reading to schools from her own personal collection of children's literature and running class projects about poetry.

Her passion for sharing with others poured into charity as well, giving often to Heifer International, Lutheran World Relief, World Wildlife Fund, ELCA Hunger, and the Sierra Club. She was known to research which charities gave the most of their funds to their beneficiaries. Outside of charity work she was even known to keep her home open to several wayward teens.

In honor of that giving spirit, in lieu of flowers, the family would welcome you to donate to a charity near to her heart National MS Society.

In celebration of her baking enthusiasm, whether that was baking ten different kinds of butter cookies in celebration of Christmas, or compiling piles of new recipes to try and test, after her funeral on April 23rd at 10 am at Trinity Lutheran Church (73 Lancaster St., Worcester), we are serving dessert and tea. You are welcome to join for sweet remembrance.