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BORN
1958
DIED
2012
Deborah Kiley Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Deborah Kiley
N Cortez
June 7, 2025
I just saw your episode on “I shouldn’t be alive.” (Apologies if that’s not the correct name of the show.) wow you have went thru so much. I’m so sad to hear that you passed away and I am just now barely discovering you.
You were an amazing person. You have inspired me for sure
Rest in peace, I hope you are happy and at peace on the other side!
Mr Carlton D M Rhodes
March 1, 2025
Read her book and watched her on I shouldn´t be alive. What an incredibly brave and inspiring woman. She has displayed the best of human spirit in all thing she did and will be a bright role model for anyone entering the world of sailing and anyone needing to learn how to be a survivor. Fly high brave sister and rest in peace eternal.
Shannon Damron
July 21, 2022
I offer my condolences. I saw Debbie in I shouldn't be alive and was amazed by the story of survival. When I recently heard of her passing I was upset and tried to learn more about her life
Again my condolences. Shannon Damron
steven cordeiro
May 2, 2021
What an immensely brave woman. I just watched “I Shouldn't Be Alive” and I’d rather be beside her than a navy seal in a survival situation. To hear that she passed on in 2012 is shocking and disheartening. God bless her soul.
Kristina Bennett
January 2, 2021
I’m sorry about your passing, I have just heard.
You were such a brave and strong woman. Your beauty will be missed.
I’m sorry
Kristina Havas
January 2, 2021
You were a true hero. I have always admired you.
I’m so sorry for your passing.
September 5, 2019
Shes alive.
Sandra Dalton
August 3, 2019
I never knew you, but you were a strong woman.
Cynthia Glenn
August 1, 2019
I didnt know you. But Ive read albatross. I enjoyed your book. Its so sad youve passed away. Lots of love. Just found out about your passing. Rest so sweetly with the Angels.
JOHN HEALY
November 8, 2018
SO SAD TO HEAR THIS. READ HER BOOK ABOUT HER NEAR DEATH ON THE SAIL BOAT ALBRATROS SOME YEARS AGO. BECAME IONTERESTED IN READING IT AGAIN. FOUND OUT JUST NOW OF HER DEATH. SO SAD.
Jerome Crumlish
July 11, 2014
Fair winds and following seas to a sailor who's departed this trying life. This world has lost a beautiful person.
August 3, 2013
God bless a strong and rich spirit in life who shows what it takes; I will miss her and her contributions to building safer boats as well as her sharing her ordeal with me and in her book Albatross, as well as the TV depiction. I knew when she decided to leave the Cape and where she was headed. God bless and provide you with support, healing and all the love in the universe.... as well as keep the wind in your sails and you aloft at all times, well stocked and prepared for all your journeys. Love and miss you,and so proud to have known you. Ellie Glorioso
Ed Coy
July 28, 2013
She struck me as very brave and inspirational and a good heart when I saw the story of her survival at sea. I'm sorry to hear of her death.
Erikk H
April 25, 2013
I never knew Deborah but I saw her amazing survival story on 'I Shouldn't Be Alive' and it saddens me to learn about her passing. Rest in peace dear.
April 25, 2013
I saw her survival story on I Shouldn't Be Alive and I am saddened by her passing. Rest in peace dear.
March 23, 2013
January 4, 2013
It saddens me greatly that Debbie has passed, I just now found out in trying to locate her on Facebook to say hello. I took her photo for the book jacket and we had some deep conversations about peoples abilities to relate to the depth of her experience.I will miss her greatly, it seems God only sprinkles the Earth with one shake of the salt that makes great impact in the world. Blessings be with you eternally, Your friend El
Tara Lyon
December 3, 2012
I had the pleasure of knowing Debbie. She gave me the gift of yoga, meditation, and friendship.
When I heard today that she had passed a few months ago, my heart sank. This world lost a bright light. She was an amazing woman.
I think of her often. I know how much she loved her daughter, and how much she missed her son.
Rest in peace my friend.
Jennifer Brimmage
December 3, 2012
Debbie was so kind and fun to be around. We talked about art, love, and loss. She was so proud of her daughter and had such a kindness about her.
Butch Maturczak
November 30, 2012
I read her book after seeing her on I shouldn't be alive. An extraordinary woman. I'm sad to hear of her passing and I send my condolences.
John Semanick
November 10, 2012
I never had a chance to meet Deborah. I first heard of her story while watching an episode of "I Shouldn't Be Alive" on Animal Planet. I just purchased her book "The Sinking" on amazon.com What was amazing was that the book I recieved in the mail was autographed by her. I am shocked to hear of her passing. My thoughts and prayers goes out to her family, and to her friend Brad Cavanagh.
September 22, 2012
Dear Marka,
I bring to you my deep condolence with your great loss. Sorry for delay. Very pity, that I did not succeed to speak with your mother, but I was witness of that wonderful survival in 1982 October 28, from 12.00 to 14.00 North Atlantic. My position was 4 th engineer on the general cargo ship “Olenegorsk” Russian Murmansk Shipping Company. I have one photograph where are Deborah & Brad in the water. If you are interested, and if you don't have it, I can send it to you.
My name is Kluev Ivan. I live in Israel. E- mail [email protected]
Best regards, Ivan
Carolyn Coburn
September 19, 2012
I was shocked to hear of her passing. My prayers are with her family and friends.
Sam Liu
September 18, 2012
Although I never got a chance to meet Deborah her story about her survival at sea back in 1982 has inspired me in many ways. It taught me a lot about motivation and to solve problems when you encounter one. She was a great person admired by many.
Scott D'Amico
September 13, 2012
My condolences to the family. I enjoyed talking with her when she visited our store in Ridgmar.
Julie Murmes
September 6, 2012
I will always remember the great times we had walking and riding together, and what a wonderful person you are, memories to cherish forever....
Debbie Bumgardner Murphy
September 2, 2012
So sorry for the pain of this great loss. Will keep the family in our prayers
Alex Schmidt
September 1, 2012
Marka,
My heart goes out to you and your family for your loss. If there is any way that I, or any of the many people that care for you can lend strength and support, please let us know. Love always, deeply, radiating.
Sheri and Matt Mattison
August 31, 2012
Dearest Marka,
I am so saddened to hear of your loss. Your mom was a wonderful, talented, spirited woman who touched and brightened so many lives. Her memory will live on in each of us and we will think of you, her and Quatro often.
Love and prayers,
Sheri and Matt Mattison
Kristin Sullivan
August 27, 2012
Marka, my heart is broken over the loss of your mom. You may remember me from the Camp Bowie gym. She trained me all through my pregnancies and showered me with gifts for my boys. You are a smart and beautiful young woman who should enjoy all the best that life has to offer. Your Fort Worth friends are thinking of you and sending you love in our hearts.
Dave Tucker
August 27, 2012
You were a wonderful and courageous woman. A true shining example and inspiration to so many. Debbie I read your books and they inspired me through a health crisis I had. I will always be thankful. God bless you and give you eternal peace.
Margi Ehle
August 27, 2012
Drawn to the light
Lifted now above us
A newly risen star, twinkling, sparkling
Look up and smile
She's shining there
Dancing with those who have gone before
Guiding, loving evermore
Lu Jo Churchill
August 26, 2012
Your life was much too short. I know there were so many hurdles that you overcame with your might and determination! Marka, keep all of her great assets, smile, and talents in your heart. Grief is the price we pay for love. Debbie was loved by so many!
August 26, 2012
You are so missed by so many of us here in San Miguel. I pray for your daughter, your dogs and your beautiful horses. They will miss you too. Rest in peace. You are so loved.
Judy Teel
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Eran West
August 24, 2012
Dear Marka, This message is from Thomas West's mother (me). I just want you to know how sorry I am for your loss. I have been so inspired by your mom and have her books. Her many messages of HOPE have helped lots of people everywhere. I will always treasure my several lunches with her and her inspirational writings and words. Love , Era West
Sue Walker
August 24, 2012
Peace...
Cassie Moore
August 24, 2012
Debbie, it was exactly three years ago you changed my life. It was hearing your voice, familiar from long ago and seeing your eyes, so full of presence, that sparked the intention that moved my soon to be husband and I from Brooklyn to Austin a year later. I am so thankful to you and your mother, Sherry, for being connected to my beautiful and exceptionally talented cousin, Marka. It is clear you left many gifts in this world, touched many lives and are a true inspiration.
Ken and Michael
August 23, 2012
Our deepest sympathy. Debbie
was a very kind and wonderful person.
Cindy Hartnitt
August 23, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of losing Debbie. She was so full of life the world will be a little darker with her gone. She was so sweet and helpful to me during a difficult time of my life. I'm so glad I got to know her for a little while. May your happy memories of her get you though this tough time.
August 22, 2012
Our sympathy to the family , Debbie was an multi talented person with boundless energy. Ernest and Jane Cote
Jami Bostic
August 22, 2012
Sweet Debbie,
You encouraged me when I had little hope. You loved me right where I was. Unlovable. Your spirit & joie de vivre will live on in me and countless others. I am so deeply sad, but am profoundly grateful that you are at peace.
All my love & light,
Jill Peden
August 22, 2012
Debbie, you were a gift of light to all who knew you. You will be missed by many and loved by all whose life you touched. I pray for your daughter and family. Be at peace now.
August 22, 2012
I am so very sorry she, an experienced mariner, could not shed her albatross. With sympathy and fond remembrance,
_ John Pitman, Former CSS Faculty Member
dede schuhmacher
August 22, 2012
Marka,
I have many wonderful memories of your Mom. She loved you very much and talked often of you. You are in my prayers, as Debbie is in my prayers.
Dede
Alice Mattison
August 22, 2012
Marka, Joe, Ali and I are thinking of you. We love you and hope to see you soon on the Vineyard for an R&R. Your Mom was a terrific woman!! Much Love, Sherry, Joe, Ali Mattison
Kathy Suder
August 22, 2012
Dear Marka, I hope many happy memories shared with your mother and Quatro will help you as you face this difficult time.
Kathy Suder
August 22, 2012
Marka, I hope many memories of happy times shared with your mother and Quatro will help you as you face this difficult time. With love, Kathy
Shay Molony
August 22, 2012
Deepest sympathy for your loss.
Jeanie Edgar
August 21, 2012
Sweet Debbie, you will be missed. You will always be one of my heroes! My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Carly Keyes
August 21, 2012
Today, I grieve. Today, I weep. But today, I also celebrate the unforgettable times we shared. Your vibrant spirit will be deeply missed but I find comfort knowing that you have found peace. Debbie, you were one of a kind. Marka, you and your family have all my love and support.
Kathy Wilcox
August 21, 2012
My heart aches for all family members, especially Debbie's daughter, Marka, and for her dad, my Uncle Mike Galaway, as well as his wife, my Aunt Bettie. The loss tragic loss of this mother,daughter, sister is so very to hard to comprehend. Debbie was a very talented woman, and I treasured her as a cousin.
Debbie & Padi - 1994 - Ft. Worth, TX
Padi Culwell Snyder
August 21, 2012
"When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet."
~ Proverbs 3:24
Sweet sleep sweet friend. Peace to you.
August 21, 2012
Sherry and Marka our hearts are with you, love Cindy, Sam, Cassie and Gus
Tracey Brown
August 21, 2012
Debbie you made an impact on many lives, and you will be missed. There are never any guaranties in life, but do know I will always remember you.
August 21, 2012
Dear Marka, We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that we are thinking of you during these difficult times.
Much Love, Lee and Jim
Gaylon & Deiann Davis
August 21, 2012
We extend our deepest condolences to Deb's family-our hearts have been heavy over her loss. Deb was a remarkable woman that left a huge impact on our lives. with love and sympathy
Scott Berkman
August 21, 2012
You will be missed so...Swing on that star, in heaven, with Quatro. Luv u Always, Scotty
Christy Hicks
August 21, 2012
Her light will remain with generations to come. Love and strength to all of you.
Jane Calvert Kellogg
August 21, 2012
Courage immeasurable, your story and enthusiasm lives on in our hearts forever, may the Lord bless your soul with peace and rest..., Love
Tina Opanasets
August 21, 2012
Your candle burned so brightly. We still see you.
Lynne Kimball Davis
August 21, 2012
You never really be gone. I will remember you and laugh with you forever! You were a huge part of my life and James life!
Mike Galaway
August 21, 2012
You will always be missed and loved.
Nancy Hallman
August 21, 2012
Marka, Lee and I have had you in our thoughts. Your mom was remarkable-- beautiful, kind, and so inspiring. We're so sorry for what you are going through.
Jennifer Haynes
August 21, 2012
Debbie,
We will miss you more than you will ever know. You were a part of our family and can never be replaced. Through our toughest times, you were there to lift us up. The world will truly be a darker place without your beauty and compassion.
Our deepest sympathies to Marka and Debbie's family. Our thoughts are with you all.
We will never forget the joy that Debbie brought to our lives.
toni lewis
August 21, 2012
It is love not time that helps us through a loss.
So... love to all.
Sharon Pate
August 21, 2012
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Melissa Boley
August 21, 2012
Deb, was an incredible passionate woman of the outdoors with the style of a southern lady. We went to high school together and spent a week long trip on the Green and Yampa rivers in Utah 25 years later. Her spunky and lively spirit will live within all of us from CSS, she will be missed deeply.
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