Former Athlete Debbie Kelley Passed Away At 52, Leaving Behind Her Husband, Mike, And Their Two Daughters!

February 28, 2026

This article was last updated by Pranaya Poudel on February 28, 2026

Debbie Kelley, an inspirational athlete and physical therapist, is survived by her children, Shawna and Izzy Kelley, and her husband, Mike, of Manchester.

Debbie Kelley was a beloved mother and a renowned athlete born on May 15, 1972.

Sadly, in November 2026, she was diagnosed with Stage IV Ovarian Cancer.

Despite the severity of her illness, she demonstrated incredible strength throughout her battle.

Tragically, she passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2026, at the age of 52. She was surrounded by her loved ones, family, and friends.

She was the , Shawna and Izzy, and a single mother.

Debbie Kelley’s Dedication To Sports Extended to Coaching Youth!

Debbie was a dynamic individual from a young age. She grew up with a love for sports and physical activities.

She was an avid athlete from a young age, participating in Little League #9 softball.

Additionally, she played varsity basketball, softball, and soccer at Portland High School as a PHS Lady Bulldog.

Debbie continued her athletic pursuits at Quinnipiac University, where she played Division II college basketball.

Her love for sports extended beyond her own participation, as she went on to coach youth and high school sports in the Portland area.

Debbie’s athletic accomplishments include running marathons, triathlons, and ½ Iron Man competitions.

Debbie Kelley Transitioned From a Sports-Focused Career To a Profession In Physical Therapy!

Despite her success in sports, Debbie transitioned seamlessly into a career in physical therapy.

After graduating from Portland High School in 1990 and obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree from Quinnipiac University in 1994, she pursued a career as a physical therapist.

After achieving her dream of becoming a physical therapist, she spent over twenty years specializing in brain injury and stroke patient care.

Debbie worked in clinical practice and management roles at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland, River Ridge Center, Falmouth by the Sea, and various home health agencies.

She earned her Neurological Clinical Specialist (NCS) certification from the American Physical Therapy Association in 2014.

Alongside her clinical practice, she served as an adjunct professor at the University of New England.

Debbie’s passion for aiding brain injury patients was evident in her dedication to helping them walk again and achieve their personal goals despite her own illness.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Debbie Kelley’s family, friends, and admirers.

Rest In Peace, Beautiful Soul!

In Case You Didn’t Know

Debbie was predeceased by her parents, Paul and Mary Kelley.
Her celebration of life will take place on Sunday, March 2, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of Portland, located at 172 State St, Portland, ME 04101.
On Monday, March 3, 2026, a prayer service will be held at the exact location at 9:00 a.m.

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Sangita is a passionate blogger with a keen eye for covering recent and trending news, particularly in the world of sports. Her love for travel and nature fuels her writing, adding a vibrant and refreshing perspective to her work. When she's not chasing the latest headlines, Sangita can be found exploring new destinations, capturing the beauty of nature, and sharing her adventures with her audience. Her unique blend of interests and expertise makes her blog a go-to source for both news enthusiasts and fellow travelers.

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