Deborah “Debbi” Kirkwood Harkins, 78, of Ossipee, NH, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 2, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family after a long and courageous journey through illness.

Debbi faced her health challenges with quiet strength and resilience, first battling the Powassan virus and later multiple myeloma. Through it all, she remained true to who she was - strong, loving, full of life, and carrying that unmistakable “spicy” spirit that made her so special and so loved.

Born on October 6,1947, in Wolfeboro, NH, Debbi was the daughter of the late Lawerence Dana Kirkwood and Mary Lord Kirkwood. She graduated from Kingswood Regional High School and, in her younger years, followed her adventurous spirit out West to Montana—one of her favorite places. Eventually, she made her way back home to New Hampshire, where she built a life centered around family, hard work, and caring for others.

Debbi began her career as a Licensed Nursing Assistant, working at the Carrol County Nursing Home, where her natural compassion and kindness shined. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, James Malcolm Harkins. She later became self-employed cleaning homes and eventually found her second home at Kindness Animal Hospital, in Ossipee, NH, where she truly belonged. Debbi had a special way with both people and animals—she made everyone feel comfortable, cared for, and valued.

Debbi was predeceased by her beloved husband, James Malcolm Harkins.

To know Debbi was to love her. She had a warm, welcoming spirit, a love for laughter, a good cup of coffee, and a way of making even the simplest moments feel special. She was always up for a new adventure, always ready for a good conversation, a good margarita, and always there when someone needed her. She loved deeply and lived fully.

Her greatest joy—her most treasured accomplishment—was becoming “Gigi.” Being “Gigi” to her great-granddaughter, Lisee (Elise M. Aube), filled her heart in a way nothing else could. It was a role she embraced with pride, love, and pure happiness.

Debbi is survived by her children, Kirk A. Pochelon (Wendy McCarthy) of Wakefield, NH, Danielle Pochelon of Ossipee, NH and her partner (Scott K Robertson) of Berwick, ME and Bevin Harkins Cook (Ashley Adams) of Superior, MT. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, including Grace Meserve Aube (Eric Aube), of Pembroke, NH, Harleigh Anelle White of Nashville, NC, Roger ‘JJ’ Cook of Missoula, MT and Isabelle Cook of Superior, MT. She is also survived by one great granddaughter who she cherished, Elise ‘Lisee’ M. Aube of Pembroke, NH.

She was one of seven children and grew up in “the Valley,” surrounded by family. She is survived by her siblings: Laurrinda Kirkwood Barr of Merrimack, NH; Victoria M. Kirkwood of Effingham, NH; Dane Charles Kirkwood of Milton, NH; George Lawerence Kirkwood of South Berwick, ME; and Cynthia Kirkwood Mamigonian of Dover, NH. She was predeceased by her sister, Bonnie Kirkwood Nystedt of West Ossipee, NH.

Debbi also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly.

Debbi found happiness in the little things—working in her yard, tending to her gardens, camping, and traveling. She especially loved her trips to the Caribbean, where she could soak in the sunshine and ocean breeze. Aruba, the “One Happy Island,” held a special place in her heart, and she carried that same joy and warmth wherever she went. Some of her favorite moments were simple ones—family gatherings, laughter-filled conversations, and quiet afternoons spent on her pool deck under the summer sun.

Her life was a beautiful reflection of love, resilience, and joy. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Calling Hours will be held at Lord Funeral Home in Wolfeboro, NH on Friday, May 15, 2026 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A funeral service and celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lakes Region VNA Hospice or the Lakes Region Humane Society.