Deborah Jean Walden

Debbie (Harding) Walden of Sandwich, MA, and Palm Harbor, FL, passed away peacefully in her home after a long, courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded and comforted by many of her loved ones. Debbie is preceded in death by her parents, Gilbert and Millie Harding of Sandwich, MA, and is survived by her loving husband, Stanley Walden, of Noblesville, IN, and Palm Harbor, FL; her beloved son, John Maxwell III, of Sandwich, MA, and Palm Harbor, FL; granddaughters Katie Maxwell and Kelly (Maxwell) Cunningham of Sandwich, MA, and her adored great-grandson, Oliver Cunningham.

Her sisters Sherry (Harding) Banzi, of New Bern, NC; Joni (Harding) Silva of Sandwich, MA; and Claudia (Harding) Naylor of Sandwich, MA, adopted sister Susan Miller of Kennesaw, GA, and their husbands along with several much-loved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Debbie was blessed to have a loving stepfamily as well. Sons, Mike and Kevin Walden and their wives, Kathy and Pamela; sister-in-law and friend Chris Walden and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; and many, many friends including her Best Friend Forever Carol Arends also of Cape Cod and her dear friend Lavonia Pryor of Palm Harbor, FL.

Debbie was legally blind from birth but never let that stand in her way. Her determination led her to move alone from Cape Cod to Palm Harbor, FL, many years ago, where she met and married the love of her life, Stan Walden. She and Stan shared over twenty happy years together, traveling all over the country either camping or cruising the oceans and loving every minute of it.

Those who knew Debbie knew her as a thoughtful, outgoing, fun-loving, adventurous, determined woman with a love of travel that led to her career as a travel agent. She was active in her community of Lake Tarpon Village where she organized and led several fun and exciting excursions for her neighbors and friends. She even spent time working as a photographer for Santa and the Easter Bunny, something that brought her great joy and many smiles from the families she captured. She was a huge fan of Disney and especially the character “Goofy” and had collected dozens of “Goofy” things. Debbie also had a passion for sports, especially NASCAR and “Family” Fantasy Football, which she played until her sight made it impossible to participate.

Debbie was a caring, giving person who will be missed by all who had the privilege to have known her. Her light will continue to shine.

Celebration of life will be arranged at a later time.