Debra Mae Richard

Debra Mae "Dixie" Richard, 68, passed away on March 8, 2025, in Winthrop, Massachusetts. The daughter of Gene and Lenora (Bradley) Richard. Debra was born and raised in Malden. She lived a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments with family and friends.

Debra worked as a Hearings Officer for the Registry of Motor Vehicles in Boston before retiring in 2021. Beyond her professional life, Debra found joy in simple pleasures and treasured traditions and will be remembered by many as “the life of the party”. She loved spending Tuesday nights with the girls, creating intricate diamond art pieces, soaking up the sun at the beach, dancing to her favorite tunes, and hosting lively card nights filled with laughter, camaraderie, and mimosas. These moments, and everyone she shared them with, brought her immense happiness.

She is lovingly remembered by her children: Lenora Dever and husband Paul of Wilmington, Jennifer Melanson of Malden, Scott Croscup Jr. and wife Sheila of Abington, her beloved grandchildren Adam Dever, Luke Dever, Aidan Labillois and Jeffery Buckley. She also leaves behind her sister Jean and husband Phil Johnson of Sandwich, twin brother Daniel Richard and Diane Hatfield of NH, and Gary Richard and wife Lori of AL. as well as many other loving nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and dearest friends. Her companion Michael Behen was a cherished presence in her life.

Debra was predeceased by her parents, her husband Joseph C. Melanson and her siblings Lorraine Keenan, Mark Richard, Thomas Richard and Marcella Richard Araujo.

Her warmth, kindness, and vibrant spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her. May her memory bring comfort to those who loved her.

Visitation for Debra will be held at the Weir-MacCuish Golden Rule Funeral Home, 144 Salem St. Malden on Thursday March 13th from 4-8 pm. Funeral services will be held the following day Friday March 14th at St. Joseph’s Parish in Malden at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital.

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