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Deborah Looney Obituary

Deborah Irene Looney, born Deborah Irene Blanton, passed away after a brief illness on Tuesday, February 25, 2014 at Memorial Hospital in Santa Rosa, California. Deborah Irene Blanton, known to her family and friends as "Debbie" was born on September 4, 1952 in San Francisco, California. She was the first child and only daughter of Dewey and Aileen Blanton. When Debbie was 3-1/2 years old, her family moved to Cotati, California where Debbie was raised with her brother, Gregory Blanton. Debbie was a 1970 graduate of Rancho Cotati High School. She was a cheerleader for the High School Basketball and Football Teams and was a drum majorette for the High School Band. After graduating from High School, Debbie graduated from Santa Rosa Junior College. Debbie was employed by Transworld Systems as one of the first clerical employees hired by the company's owners, Floyd and Kathy Watkins. Debbie and her future husband were instrumental to the growth and development of Transworld Systems which later became one of the largest collection agencies in the Country. Debbie was employed for over twenty years. She remained life long friends with the founders of the company, Floyd and Kathy Watkins. Debbie met her husband, Gary Looney, of Santa Rosa, California, at Transworld Systems and they married in 1979. Later in 1993, Debbie left employment with Transworld Systems to join Gary in his business in San Francisco, California. She was the Vice President of Creditors Trade Association, Inc., the business which she and Gary owned and operated from 1993 until her death. The company relocated from San Francisco to Santa Rosa in 1996. Debbie and Gary enjoyed outings with family and friends. Debbie was an avid San Francisco Giants fan and one of her biggest thrills was to attend all the world series games played in San Francisco. Another special moment was to attend the Baseball All Star games held at Pac Bell Park in recent years. She was also an avid San Francisco 49ers fan. Although Debbie and Gary had no children of their own, Debbie was affectionately known as "Mama" to the children of family and friends. Debbie loved children. Debbie and Gary were fortunate to be able to travel the world and enjoyed more than 75 cruises which took them to Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania, the Far East, including Indonesia, Hong Kong and numerous islands of the South Pacific. Their extensive travels took them to Europe, Scandinavia, Norway, England and the British Isles, the Mediterranean, North Africa, Italy, Greece, the Holy Land, Cape Verde Island, The Canary Islands, The Azores and Eastern Europe. A special trip was taken by Debbie and Gary to their ancestral homeland of Ireland. Debbie's mother's name was Byrne. The Byrne family was from Dublin and came to the United States at the turn of the century. Gary's Irish heritage stemmed from Londondary and his family too, came to the United States in the 18th Century. Debbie was proud of her ancestral name Byrne and of her Irish heritage. Their travels also took them to Mexico, Central America and South America. They also traveled extensively in the Caribbean. Debbie's favorite island in the Caribbean was St. Barts. Debbie especially loved traveling every spring and early summer to the South of France. In particular, Debbie loved traveling to the Cote d'Azur and the City of Antibes. She also loved the small village of St. John du Cap Ferrat and enjoyed staying in Monaco and Paris. Debbie and Gary also traveled extensively throughout the Americas. Debbie especially loved visiting New York City where she and Gary had numerous friends. She also loved traveling to Beverly Hills where she and Gary maintained a small business office. Debbie also enjoyed her frequent visits to the Hawaiian Islands, especially Honolulu. Her favorite hotel in New York was the St. Regis where she and Gary stayed for more than twenty-five years. She enjoyed her many trips to her favorite restaurant, Le Bernardin, in New York. For more than twenty-five years, Debbie and Gary were frequent diners at their best friend's restaurant, The Kenwood Restaurant. Debbie and Gary enjoyed many family gatherings and special occasion dinners prepared by the owner, Max Schacher. Debbie loved fashion and dressing well. She was also an artistic decorator . She decorated her home which she and Gary built in 1999 with furnishings they obtained on their numerous trips around the world. Debbie was also a wonderful homemaker and an exceptional chef, preparing family meals during the holidays. Debbie was a collector of Santa Claus' and she had a numerous collection of Santa Claus' which she displayed in her home at Christmas. Debbie especially enjoyed Christmas and she loved shopping at the Christmas Department at Bergdorf Goodman in New York. Debbie was thrilled on one occasion at Bergdorf Goodman to shop for Christmas ornaments with Faith Hill. During her travels around the world, Debbie was able to meet heads of state and other celebrities, including Bill and Hillary Clinton, Sir Anthony Hopkins and others too numerous too mention. Debbie was also thrilled that she and Gary were invited to celebrate the retirement of the Commodore at Cunard Lines and the Captain of Queen Elizabeth II, Robert Warrick, at a special dinner party in London, where she and Gary had the opportunity to meet Princess Diana. Although Debbie traveled the world through her short life, she was a homemaker, loved her home and was always willing to open her home to friends and guests. Debbie was a wonderful woman who made no enemies and never had a bad word to say about anybody. She was kind, thoughtful and a giving person. Her love of animals prompted her and Gary to found the Fluffy Charitable Trust within the framework of Forgotten Felines of Sonoma County. Debbie is preceded in death by her father, Dewey Blanton. Debbie is preceded in death by her beloved cats, Fluffy, Black Jack, Jacqueline, Winston and Maximillan. Debbie is survived by her husband, Gary Looney of Santa Rosa, California, her mother Aileen Blanton of Santa Rosa, California, her brother Gregory Blanton of Santa Rosa, California, her nephew Daniel Blanton of Dallas, Texas, Julie Blanton of Santa Rosa, California and Michelle Blanton of Prescott Valley, Arizona. She was the adored daughter in law of Kathleen Looney of Cloverdale, California. Debbie's family is grateful for Diane Fairclough's steadfast devotion to Debbie, for being by Debbie's side throughout her illness and during Debbie's final moments. Debbie's family is thankful for the presence of Doug Provencher, Susan Provencher, Kim Minton, Landon McPherson and Michael O'Brien for being with Debbie during her final moments and their friendship throughout the years. The family thanks the staff at Memorial Hospital, including Dr. Kent Matsuda and Dr. Peter Brett at Sutter Oncology for assisting Debbie and her family during this difficult time. The family also thanks Marcy Smothers and Max Schacher for providing their assistance and meals to the family. Debbie will be sorely missed by her family and everyone who knew her. A celebration of Debbie's life will take place at a later date. To my sweet little angel. You will always be my one and only true love. Until we meet again. Gary. Donations in Debbie's memory may be made to Forgotten Felines of Sonoma County, P.O. Box 6672, Santa Rosa, CA 95406 and Memorial Medical Center Foundation, Breast Cancer Research, c/o Long Beach Hospital, 2801 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90806 (562) 933-4481. Arrangements Made by Daniels Chapel of the Roses Funeral Home and Crematory 707-525-3730

Published by Press Democrat from Mar. 2 to Mar. 8, 2014.
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Memories and Condolences
for Deborah Looney

Not sure what to say?





Debbie I think of you often and miss you always. Thank God, you´re at peace. I love you my dear sweet friend.

Dana Hallock

Friend

February 26, 2024

Always fond memories of a smart, sweet, caring, and classy lady.

Scott Weber

Friend

February 25, 2024

I always have fond memories of Debbie, a sweet and loving soul. God Bless You.

Scott Weber

February 24, 2023

I hope Debbie is at peace. I miss her laugh.

Maryann Sawyer

Friend

February 24, 2021

Time goes by so fast but she is always in are thoughts and prayers as are you Gary.

Gene Tabor

Family

February 24, 2019

Gary, my heart goes out to you, Aileen, Greg and the rest of the family. Debbie was more than a friend to me and much more like a second mother. I cannot believe that she is gone and will never forget the memories that we've shared over the last thirty years together. Debbie, you'll be in my mind and heart forever and I will always remember your laughter, the look of "Don't you dare..." and the many amazing memories we've shared over the years. Soar high, Momma L!

Landon McPherson

March 19, 2014

In loving memory of Deborah Looney

Fill not your hearts with pain and sorrow,
but remember me in every tomorrow.
Remember the joy, the laughter, the
smiles, I've only gone to rest a little while.
Although my leaving causes pain and
grief, my going has eased my hurt and
given me relief. So dry your eyes and
remember me, not as I am now, but as I
used to be. Because, I will remember you
all and look on with a smile. Understand,
in your hearts, I've only gone to rest a
little while. As long as I have the love of
each of you, I can live my life in the
hearts of all of you.

De tout mon cœur,
Juan Manuel

Juan Manuel Perez Marina

March 19, 2014

Gone to soon....our dear Debbie!

Debbie's heart and kindnesses will never be forgotten, they live on in each person who has had the pleasure of her company. Her delightful smile her laughter and the look in her eye when Gary would crack a joke...unforgetable!
I am so lucky to have met her and am honored to have shared her friendship, time and wisdom. Her darling style and beautifully manner of thoughtfulness has touched me over the years. Her caring heart for others and animals - seemed boundless. What a team Debbie and Gary made.

My prayers are for Love and Grace to surround Gary, Debbie's Mom and Brother as they find comfort and peace while hearing how much Debbie was loved by others. Debbie's beautiful life with Gary, her natural gifts, her heart,her love for others,Her brave and couragious fight! All inspring!

Debbie Looney made a difference by living with brave clear intention. Loving her life! even when she wasn't finished.

Cherylyn McCalligan

March 17, 2014

With deepest sympathy to you. I have many childhood memories of Debbie and her family. We grew up together and spent a great deal of time together from kindergarten through high school. Although we lost track of each other after high school, I will always remember her fondly. My thoughts and prayers to you and the rest of the family.

Pamela Rippin Sorensen

March 15, 2014

I'm so sad to hear the news. It's completely shocking and so sudden. I will always remember Debbie as being kind, generous and thoughtful. Thinking of you~
Love, A

A Liberto

March 13, 2014

I have lost one of the dearest friends I will ever have in my life and I dare say she was like a sister to me. We were very close and I was proud to call her my friend and I will miss her very much. Debbie was one of the kindest and gentlest people I have ever had the privilege to know. I could always rely on her and trusted her judgment and wisdom as well as her advice. We could be in a room full of people and would give each other a look or a smile and knew exactly what each other was thinking. I truly believe that Debbie was a gift of God that came into my life. She was a great girlfriend and I know my life will never be the same without her. They say everybody leaves footprints in your memory, but Debbie left footprints in my heart. I will cherish the many memories that we made together forever. I will miss her greatly and she will be in my thoughts and prayers always. Debbie, I will love you and miss you. Love, Kimbra Minton

March 11, 2014

I am missing my sweet cousin. Debbie, you meant the world to me and so many. I know you are in a better place, without pain. Love you always.

Christina Galliano

March 8, 2014

So Sorry Gary to here of Debbie's passing
Jim and I will pray for you and your family
Bryan

Bryan Kinney

March 7, 2014

So sorry to hear about Debbie, she was the sweetest lady and just good to the core, I will miss running into her at Macy's, :-) my love and prayers go out to Gary...love from your old waitress at Cricklewood....

Tiffany Lyeth

March 7, 2014

I have such fond memories of Debbie. Her amazing generosity & popularity in a beautiful woman. She definitely had great taste and witty sense of humor, better than even yours Gary. One of the best games I ever attended was Game 1 of the World Series & sharing the car ride over to the park. We couldn't stop laughing. She will be missed.

Sunnie Heng

March 6, 2014

Debbie, my very special friend, I will always love you. I'm so sorry Gary, that she is gone. I pray that God helps heal your broken heart, in time. Debbie, we miss you. Rest sweetie, you can tell me about the "little piggies" when I get there!

Dana Hallock

March 5, 2014

She will be missed, what a sweetheart of a lady......Mitch Gee

March 5, 2014

I'm so sorry to hear about Debbie. My condolences to Aileen, Gary, & Greg. I remember her very fondly.

LaRee Maguire

March 5, 2014

So sorry to hear of Debbie's passing. She was such a sweet person and good friend. Although we lost touch after Jr College, I thought of her often and the fun times we had. My condolences and prayers go out to her family and friends.

Sherry Wesley Sosa

March 4, 2014

My deepest sympthy and condolences to Gary, family, and friends. Debbie was a very special lady and her life will forever be etched in the many hearts she touched.

Scott Weber

March 4, 2014

Debbie was such a classy, kind and giving lady. I remember when she gave me a beautiful breast cancer bracelet to commemorate my 5 years being cancer free. How did she know? It took my breath away that she thought of me. I will forever walk for Team Spirit Breast Cancer 401K with a sign on my back that reads "Walking in memory of Debbie Looney." I will miss her smiling face.I will miss my dinners with Debbie in Beverly Hills, Seal Beach and Long Beach when she accompanied Gary on business trips. Rest in peace, Debbie. I will miss you.

March 4, 2014

So very sorry to hear the news of the passing of Debbie. I went to school in Cotati since grammar grades and high school with Debbie. Debbie was a beautiful tiny darling.
Sincere condolences. It was wonderful reading about her full life and loves and interests.

Margaret Arthur Cassero

March 4, 2014

My condolences...Aileen ,and Gary. Prayers and thoughts with you , .and the rest of the family

Toni Holmes-Jones

March 3, 2014

Debbie, looking back we are remembering all the good times we had together. You and Gary were so generous to include the two of us on your many trips. You will never be forgotten and will always be in our hearts.

Gene & Georgia Stockman

March 3, 2014

My condolences to the family. I went to high school with Debbie and remember her fondly as a sweet and happy girl.

Kim Tennant (nee Weaver)

March 3, 2014

I had the pleasure of knowing Debbie Looney since 1991 when my husband Kevin played on the soft ball team for the Sonoma County Sheriff's Department which was sponsored by her and her husband Gary. I immediately felt her warmth and kindness and felt very comfortable and accepted in her presence. I always looked forward to the games and sitting and chatting with Debbie when I was new to the area at the time. I was also fortunate to have Gary and Debbie as a client when my husband and I opened up our own company. They were instrumental in helping us get started when we had little knowledge in this field. While working with them for several years I came to know Debbie on a personal and professional level. I enjoyed sitting and talking with her about life, business, family, children, cats and many other things. She is a wonderful and intelligent woman who will be missed by many and I offer my condolences to her family for their loss. My love and prayers to you all.

Julia & Kevin Ardoin

March 3, 2014

So sorry about Debbie passing. She was a very kind and nice lady. Prayers and blessings to you all at this sad time.

Richard Stewart

March 3, 2014

Gary we are so sorry to here that Debbie has passed. It doesn't seem fair. We will always remember her. Gene has many memories when they were young and growing up she was a great cousin.

Karen & Eugene Tabor

March 3, 2014

Debbie, we can't believe you are gone. It doesn't seem that many months ago we were celebrating my parents' anniversary sharing family time with lots of laughs. That is just one of the many special times we will remember spending with you. You truly were a special person - kind, generous, patient, genuine, and always fun to spend time with. We all love and miss you.

Kelly, Patrick, Kayla, & Kyle Bell

March 2, 2014

debbie, we will miss you. you will always hold a special place in our hearts.

susan layman and family

Charlene and Michael weber

March 2, 2014

Debbie,
I know that you are in a better place now and at peace. God Bless.
Mary Ann Sawyer

March 2, 2014

A special light in this world has been darkened, but we'll never forget our memories of Debbie. Gary, our thoughts and prayers are with you and Aileen during this time of grief. We hope the presence and love of family and friends will bring your comfort.

Steve, Cami, Kyra & Nick Kappos

March 2, 2014

In loving memory of a wonderful lady. Debbie, you were such a beautiful friend to my sister, Kim and a second mother to my nephew, Landon. To all the people who had the honor of calling you their friend, aunt, sister and daughter, you will be in our hearts forever and we will miss you always.

Kellie Minton Moore

March 2, 2014

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