Search by Name

Search by Name

Deborah Davis Frank

1952 - 2017

Deborah Davis Frank obituary, 1952-2017, Los Angeles, CA

BORN

1952

DIED

2017

Deborah Frank Obituary

November 12, 1952 - December 26, 2017 Deborah Davis Frank, 65, unexpectedly passed away on December 26, 2017. Born on November 12, 1952 in Kingston, Pennsylvania to Jane (Hooper) and Stewart Davis. She graduated from Fayetteville-Manlius High School, in Manlius, New York, followed by Duke and Yale University. She was a nurse midwife who shared in the experience of birthing of babies for over 30 years. She worked quietly but tirelessly for midwifery and the cause for women to have kind, compassionate care before, during and after childbirth. She was a beloved friend, colleague, sister, wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her two children, Michael Frank and Heather McCarthy, brother, Stewart "Chip" Davis, son-in-law, Jeff McCarthy, and granddaughter, Molly Jane McCarthy, her father-in-law, William E. Frank, and her sister's-in-law, Allyson Krowitz, Kim Howard and Nancy Davis. She leaves her husband Jeff of 45 years with whom she shared so much love and so many adventures and Ginger, her sweet Vizsla;both stood by her side with great devotion. A Celebration of her life is planned for the Spring 2018. Donations may be made to One Heart World-Wide at 1818 Pacheco St., San Francisco, CA 94116, oneheartworldwide.org on her behalf or to the charity of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Los Angeles Times on Jan. 14, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Deborah Frank

Not sure what to say?





Sonia

November 19, 2024

I was blessed enough in 2010 to have Debbie deliver our baby on NewYears at Cedars. Now almost 15 years later I am pregnant. I found out today the loss of a great leader, caregiver, and woman. With all my heart and everything I have, I send love to those she left behind. The void must be huge. I lost my mom in 2001 and not a day goes by where I don´t miss her. I still feel her sometimes and that gives me comfort. I hope you are able to feel the beautiful strength and wisdom of your wife and mother too. My heart goes out to you all. Much love...

Anulka + Hiroshi

March 31, 2023

At 35 I became pregnant and had the fortune to be referred to Deborah Frank. I was considered
` high risk ` because of my age and the hospital had a battery of tests lined up for me. Fortunately I listened to Deborah´s kind knowledgeable voice and was able instead to have no tests and deliver two healthy boys in the comfort of my home. Deborah paid little attention to me during labour and focused 100% on my sons heartbeats.
I am saddened by her loss. I just found out and send my deepest condolences and appreciation to her family.

Jelena Mirkovic

January 29, 2023

I am so sorry to hear about Debbie's passing. She delivered two of my sons and was the gentlest, most competent and calmest person one could wish for during delivery. I will miss her and remember her fondly. I am so sorry that she went so young from this Earth. She has definitely left her mark in the most beautiful way in many lives.

Tereese Radenbaugh

August 11, 2021

My condolences to all of Debbie's family for your loss. I just found out today that she has passed. Debbie was my midwife for 2 of my children. Words are not enough to express how much I admired her and how comfortable she made me feel having my home births. I invited 8 friends to my birth and my labor stopped. I had to send them home and Debbie gave me a story about the history of birthing and how I needed a quiet space. I am so grateful I was able to share my journey with her. Debbie was a kind nurturing soul. It is a profound loss to say goodbye so young. Rest in Peace my dear friend. I have a picture of her holding one of my babies. I will try to find it. Tereese

Sofia Luis

July 23, 2020

To Debbie’s husband & children,

I just found out about Debbie’s passing, 2-1/2 years later. Oh, I was so SO sad to read about this. Debbie delivered both my kids at UCLA in 2007 & 2009 and I’ve been talking to them about her ever since. She had the kindest, most calming presence eventhough she was nothing short of a rock star. What a powerhouse of a woman. We talked a lot about her fight to practice at Cedars, which I knew she’d won; and now I’ve read she got in Saint John’s as well. Such an amazing legacy of servicing women during her entire life. Please know that she touched my heart deeply. That having her there when both my kids came into this world was a true honor. And that we will always remember her and keep telling our kids the story of the supershero with the kindest heart who orchestrated their beautiful entry into this world: Debbie Frank. May she rest in peace.

Michael Frank

April 17, 2020

I'm Debbie's SON, Michael............ I can't believe its taken me so long to sign into this book and I can't tell you how many times I've browsed through this posting here and so very much appreciated hearing these wondrous words about my Mother............. Oh I can't tell you all how much it means and there isn't a day that passes when I can't here her tell me, "Rise and Shine, Up and Attem Mike!!!!" and its been a rough road for all of us through the years but there isn't anything in the world my Mother wanted other than to help others in there ability to create Beautiful Families and have Healthy Lives and more often than not when I was out and about with my Mother she would often see people she knew and your all the souls that made her life and love and moments much more liveable and wondrous. I'm so thankful for all your words and I can't tell you how much it means for me to get to come to this page and be reminded of how my mother lives on through all your Hearts and Souls. Life Goes on and Mom was Great and Good and a very Faithful and Beautifull Woman............ Don't Feel Sad We all move on in Our Own Times............. Much Love and Blessings to All...............

Claude Sublett

January 24, 2020

Dearest Jeff,
I am just now learning of Debbie's passing and am so deeply saddened. She was so lovely. You were both so welcoming when we became neighbors all those years ago. My heart goes out to you and the children. Sending you all much love, healing light and strength.

Susanne Belcher

January 8, 2020

Debbie dear, I think of you often. You were here on this Earth plane long enough to make an important mark and leave a Legacy. More than many can acclaim. You are missed and you are not forgotten. RIP! Love, Susanne

Me and n otis 19 years that she delivered!

Susan Simon

October 14, 2019

She delivered my baby in 1999, she was so kind to me. I didn't know she died, so sorry

Michelle Sherman

July 27, 2018

Jeff,

I am so very sorry and am in complete shock about the loss of Debbie. I was just looking her up so I could see her and catch up when I'm in Ojai. I always enjoyed my conversations with her early in the morning when we would both hike with our dogs at Fryman in Los Angeles. She was truly one of the nicest and kindest people I've ever met. I don't know if you'll remember but because of Debbie (and you) I've been going to that great little beach in Carpinteria with my dogs for years now. I had lost touch when you both moved to Ojai and mistakenly thought I could just pick up the thread of our friendship when I was visiting the area. I will really miss Debbie. She was really an incredible person and always a joy to run into on a hike with our dogs and have the chance to visit. All the best to you and your children.

Matthew Bowman

July 26, 2018

Deborah delivered my son. He was one of her last. She was amazing in every way. We feel so lucky to have met her. We share her family's grief, for she is part of our family story as well. We will miss her.

Mare Winningham

May 14, 2018

Dear Jeff,
I have only just learned. I am sending my deep deepest condolences and sympathy for you, for Heather and Michael, for the family. I am overwhelmed with shock and sadness, with loss. Your beloved Debbie.
As you know she delivered my daughter on December 25th of 1986, and I know it was with tremendous grace that she (and all of you) shared her Christmas with me and my family as she spent all of Christmas Eve and Christmas morning by my side. I had already fallen in love with her when she delivered my son Jack in 1985. I remember you two together, so warm and wonderful, and I am just so so sorry Jeff, for this impossible loss. It is very hard to have missed the memorial, I would have loved to sit and celebrate, honor Debbie, with the many of us who were changed because of her greatness. For me she was a once-in-a-lifetime anchor of strength and beauty, a soulful wise funny happy wonder of a woman and friend.

With all my love, Mare

PEGGY VISHER

April 8, 2018

Dear Jeff,
I was so sorry to hear about Debbie's death. She was a wonderful, strong woman who was so good to talk to. The last time we talked she was so excited about becoming a grandmother! I know you will miss her terribly. I am sorry I didn't spend more time with her over the past 20 years.
Love,
Peggy Visher

Becca Fuchs

April 6, 2018

Jeff and Family,
I just now hearing of Debbies passing and I am so sorry. I did not know her well, but she was so kind to me 10 years ago as I was rebuilding my prenatal massage practice in LA. She referred many of her clients to my services and was so supportive. She made such a difference in my life and I will always be grateful. I was so happy to see her and give her a massage myself when we both relocated to Ojai. What a wonderful human being. Im so sorry for your loss.

Denise and Tom Milligan

March 20, 2018

So sad to hear the news. Debbie gave much love to the world. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your beautiful family.

Nicole Paterson

March 9, 2018

Dear Jeff and Family,
What a deep sadness to learn of Debbie's passing. She was such a beautiful light in our lives as she usher me into motherhood and welcomed our beautiful daughter into this world. As I was in my last stages of labour, she reminded me that yelling and cursing was going to get me nowhere and that I was better off channeling that energy downward. Sure enough. Baby came shortly after! The world is a better place because of Debbie. Thank you for sharing her with us.
Love, Nicole & Guthrie Paterson

Sunny Garcia Riffel

February 16, 2018

Dear Jeff & Family,
I am deeply saddened to learn of your family's loss. Debbie meant so much to me and my family. She guided Erik and I through the birth of our 3 boys and I will forever be grateful for her kindness, love and graciousness. I feel so blessed to have known her and for her presence during some of the most precious moments of my life. She will forever be missed by our family. Please do let us know of any services or if you ever need a buddy to paddle out with (I still owe you that one from way back!).
A Loving Embrace,
Sunny & Family
[email protected]

Andrea Bendewald

February 2, 2018

Dearest family of Debbie. My heart is overflowing with love for you. Debbies spirit, love and kindness will live with me forever, and within the souls of my two children she helped birth. My entire life was changed because of her goodness. I would be honored to attend her celebration of life ceremony if it is open to extended friends and clients.
You remain in my loving prayers,
Andrea Bendewald
[email protected]

Summer Phoenix

January 25, 2018

I have no words.. Just so much love for Deb and to you Jeff and Heather and Michael

Martha & Inez

January 18, 2018

Our love and condolences go out to her family and all those that have been affected by her passing. She will be dearly missed.

Kenya Williams

January 17, 2018

I just heard today about Debbie's passing. Debbie was my mom's midwife 34 years ago, when she delivered me and she was my midwife 4 years ago, when she delivered my daughter, Everly. She was such a gift and was such a wonderful presence during our family's births. We are so sorry for your family's loss. We will miss her greatly.

Teena Farris

January 15, 2018

Was out of the country when you sent the text. Just got back yesterday So sorry to hear the news. She was a great friend and will be greatly missed. Lost the phone number if there's anything I can do please call. Love

Carol & Gil Siegel

January 15, 2018

Our hearts go out to you Jeff & family
Debbie was an exceptional person
Love,
Carol & Gil Siegel

Susanne & Michael Belcher

January 15, 2018

Our hearts are broken. I couldn't believe seeing her face in the LA Times obituaries. I met Debbie many years ago through a women's organization, Women In Health, where she was a force for advancing the field of nurse midwifery. Even though we lost touch over the years, she and her husband Jeff were never forgotten. I had planned to give her a call and reconnect last week when her name emerged in a conversation with my chiropractor who mentioned she had delivered one of their sons over 20 years ago. Their daughter had just had a baby delivered at home.

Our love and thoughts are with Jeff and her family. We would like to be put on a notification list for her Memorial.

Lovingly, Susanne & Michael Belcher
818-825-0700
[email protected]

Renee Mandala

January 15, 2018

Deb gave me the pleasure of getting to know her as a volunteer in a program I direct in Ojai. In the last weeks of November I got to interact with her more than usual and was deeply touched by her sensitivity and deep compassion. She lived a life of service and contribution. Deb, thank you, you are loved.

Bridget Kelley

January 14, 2018

Blessings on your journey.

Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results

Make a Donation
in Deborah Frank's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Deborah Frank

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Deborah's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Deborah Frank's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more