Debra C. Valentine

Debra Clark Valentine of Sugar Hill, NH, known as Debi to her family and friends, passed away at her home on Friday, September 26th, 2025. Debi was born in Newton, MA, on June 11, 1955, but moved to NH in 1960 when her parents, Gene, Jr., and Peg Clark, accepted a position as Executive Director of the North Country YMCA and Camp Belknap. She is survived by her loving husband, Mike Valentine, to whom she was married for 27 years; her devoted sister, Pami King (husband Rob) and adoring niece, Morgan; her beloved brother, Gene III (wife Caryn), nephews, Sean (fiancé Alison) and Christian (wife Juli), and grand-nephews, “Sammy” and Mateo.

Debi graduated from Littleton High School in 1973, where she enjoyed serving as captain of the cheerleaders, Class President, Student Council VP and President, Governor of YMCA Youth & Government, and President of YMCA Older Girls’ Conference. Little did we know this would be the beginning of a lifelong career with the “Y.” She spent all her summers at YMCA Camp Belknap, where her love of leadership development began. After graduating from UNH in 1977 and spending a year doing social work for the Littleton school system, she realized that her “calling” was to share the “Y” movement. In 1978, she began her 40-year career with the YMCA. Her father, Gene, Jr., was Executive Director of the North Country YMCA and Director of YMCA Camp Belknap. The camp had grown significantly and required his full-time attention, so Debi stepped in as Executive Director of the North Country District. Her portfolio included Youth & Government, Older Girls’ Conference, a regional aerobics program, YMCA track meet, Leadership Training Institute, and various after-school programs, as well as being an active member of Rotary Club. Her career evolved when she began serving with the National YMCA, becoming one of their top trainers in leadership development and winning many awards throughout her years of service. In conjunction with the National “Y,” she served as an officer of APD, the Association of Professional Directors, where she received national recognition by winning their top award as the #1 trainer in leadership development. She soon expanded her duties to include Director of Programing and Outreach with the NH YMCA, servicing the entire state. Eventually, she moved onto facility work with the Concord and Manchester YMCAs in a leadership training role until she retired in 2017 and settled in Sugar Hill with her husband Mike.

Debi never met a “stranger,” and she impacted the lives of many throughout her journey. In 1983, at the age of 27, she fought and beat a Hodgkins diagnosis. While in the hospital for treatment, she met Norris Cotton, head of the Norris Cotton Cancer Center where she was a patient. She formed a friendship with him and soon became President of the Norris Cotton Cancer Center Board. Having come from a camping background, she understood the value of the camp experience. So, her next venture was to start a camp for cancer patients. What a wonderful “gift” for those children who would not otherwise have the opportunity. Just another example of giving back and making a difference in the lives of others.

Debi embraced life, she was passionate about her work, and she found purpose in everything she did; but her first love was always family. She cherished her time with them, she was a devoted wife and sister, and she adored being an aunt to her niece and nephews! They were truly her pride and joy! She leaves behind a gaping hole in the hearts and lives of everyone who loved her, and her legacy of “God first, others second, myself last” will continue to be an example for all.

Debi lived life every day with kindness and a smile on her face. Heaven truly received an angel when God called her “home.”

There will be a Celebration of Life for Debi at 1:00 pm on Saturday, December 6th, at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Littleton, NH. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Norris Cotton Cancer Care - Dartmouth Medical Center - Barbara E. Rubin Building One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756.