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Deborah C. Rifenbary

1950 - 2021

BORN

1950

DIED

2021

About

University of New Mexico University of Virginia Vanderbilt University

Deborah Rifenbary Obituary

Deborah C. Rifenbary, EdD

April 26, 1950 â€" December 22, 2021

Deborah "Deb"

Rifenbary's infectious laugh was an outward sign of her joy for

life, love of her

husband Vince

and their shared

passion investing in family and

friends.

Deb looked at life as an adventure that needed to be lived. This was evidenced in her extensive travel throughout the United States and Europe. She loved snow skiing, golf and playing the piano.

Until her retirement, Dr. Rifenbary served as the Interim Dean to lead the University of New Mexico College of Education and Human Sciences. Scholastically, she earned a bachelor's degree in English from Rosemont College, a Master's in the Art of Teaching (MAT) in English from Fairleigh-Dickinson University, a Master of Education degree in Counseling and Human Development from Vanderbilt University and a Doctor of Education degree in counseling from the University of Virginia. She is also a licensed professional counselor (LPCC) in the state of New Mexico.

Early in her career Deb taught at the John F. Kennedy German American School in Berlin. Her love of Europe, its people and Christmas Markets introduced her to Austria where she co-established the Student Teachers in Austria Reach Success (STARS) program. STARS is a student teacher exchange between the UNM College of Education and Human Sciences and the Teachers College at the University of Vienna.

Deborah is survived by her husband Vince Murphy, brother Jay Rifenbary, Niece Nicole Rifenbary, Nephew Jared Rifenbary, Leeann Murphy, Kristy Murphy Townsend and her husband Wes Townsend, grandchildren Sydney and Austin. She is preceded in death by her parents George Rifenbary DDS and Dorothy Carvis Rifenbary.

Arrangements are pending and will occur through French Funerals & Cremations. The family asks that in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the University of New Mexico Global Education Office Emergency Fund through the UNM Foundation https://www.unmfund.org/fund/geo-emergency-fund/ .

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

Published by Albuquerque Journal on Dec. 28, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Deborah Rifenbary

12 Entries

Linda Hartley

December 22, 2022

We all remember Deb, especially at the Tanoan pool where there is a lovely memorial plaque for her.

Tom Zdunek

December 22, 2022

Vince, I think often of our work time together. It was clear your love for Deb as it was embedded in your thoughts, coming through in our conversations. I truly hope you are doing well.

Anonymous

Planted Trees

Reshma Kamal

January 12, 2022

Deborah Rifenbary was a kind, intelligent, and an amazing person. She worked hard at everything she undertook, and at the same time, enjoyed life to the fullest. She was my dissertation chair for my Ph.D. at UNM. I took several classes with her and have known her for over 13 years Her enthusiasm for education and her deep desire to help her students succeed was evident daily in her life through her perseverance, her confidence in us her students, and her gentle ways of guiding us. I am fortunate to have known her and to have had her as my chair. Aa my chair she worked relentlessly to assist me. On the day of my graduation she was glowing as if I was her family member and was very happy for me. I felt proud of her pride in me and happy to have her as my chair and mentor She will always be part of my accomplishments for she was the catalyst that kept us all working steadfastly towards our goals. Her life ended too soon yet she will live forever for many and especially her students. Her poise, knowledge, and conbtribution to the community at UNM will never be forgotten. I know that each time I think of my career, Deborah Rifenbary will always be part of it. I am deeply sorry for her family pain at this time and wish them much peace and healing.

As a gentle breeze that envelops our soul
A blooming flower reminding us
Of all the good things in life
A beaming light illuminating
Our way
Deborah Rifenbary will be with
Us forever to stay
In our hearts, and our minds
For someone as alive and as vibrant as she was is engrained into our daily life eternally.

Much love and blessings to those who were touched by Deborah's presence on their journey.

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Christine Abassary

January 8, 2022

Dr Deborah Rifenbary was my dissertation chair, advisor and counseling faculty member and I'm truly saddened by her loss. Despite her multiple responsibilities in administration she never lost her curiosity and passion for mentoring students. I believe I was one of the last students she continued to work with with after accepting her new position in administration. She communicated to me that working with students was her passion. Juggling multiple roles she always took time out to meet sometimes during her lunch breaks and weekends reviewing our edits. We chatted at times sharing a love for travel and diverse cultures. When we met I felt like I was the only person in the room and she gave me her full attention combing through my dissertation word by word. I appreciated her honest feedback and actual "red pen" I can now smile about which was very old school yet, the approach motivated me to focus and complete my dissertation. As a demonstration of her caring I strived to complete quality work because she expected only the best from me and herself. As a result of her mentoring I have developed a passion for teaching and research and recently decided to return to academia. I only hope that I can have such a fulfilling life when reflecting back. She was also dedicated to her family, sheer joy for life and heartfelt sympathy extends to Vince her beloved husband especially, at this time. We we're fortunate enough to meet him during a consulting class whereby, I have also developed a life long friendship with a fellow student because of the warmth provided in the classroom. I will miss her grace and mentorship that carried me through the dissertation process and beyond. Grateful to have met her and will continue to hold her in my heart.

Michael Morad-McCoy

January 7, 2022

As I was doing my Masters in Counseling, even though I'd never had her in a class, she would always recognize me in the halls and ask how I was doing. She was also instrumental in my decision to seek my PhD, served on my dissertation committee and, at the commencement exercise, hooded me. Such a wonderful person.

Ginger Blalock

January 7, 2022

I was terribly saddened to read of Deb's sudden passing in the UNM newsletter. She was a true pleasure with whom to work (albeit many years ago), always a bright spot in the College, and she offered much support and guidance to many. My deepest sympathies go to Vince and their blended family.

James B. Lewis

January 5, 2022

Deborah, was a warm beautiful person. She always made you feel welcome, regardless of the occasion. My Prayers Go out to her loving family and friends.

Respectfully,
James B. Lewis

Linda & Dan Hartley

December 30, 2021

Vince, We will miss Deb and her zest for life. Our thoughts are with you as you go through this very difficult time. Regards.

Magdalena

December 29, 2021

A tremendous loss, Like a tidal wave that impacted us. Deb represented the generational educational cadre of professional New Mexican Educators that made the COEHS a treasure and a gem. Her presence and her leadership along with so many others historically anchored deeply in our college created the power of a unique and distinguished body politic of educational democratic visionaries deeply rooted in the "communities of New Mexico" . Like so much of the diverse faculty in the COEHS she was a core asset In Working towards " building an innovative and collaborative faculty governance of leadership. Deb was such a part of New Mexico´s educational River of life dedicated to educational equanimity and social justice. So grateful for our paths crossing and her incredible support as I went up for T&P.
She will always be a beloved and esteemed colleague who made a significant difference as part of a unique era of diverse generational educational architectural leaders and visionaries..
Dios la Bendiga siempre and my deepest condolences to her family.
Magdalena

Cathy Gutierrez-Gomez

December 28, 2021

So sad to hear about Deb, still in disbelief. I will keep you and the rest of her family in my prayers and hope you find a little peace in knowing how much she was admired and appreciated. She will be missed!

Sheri Williams

December 28, 2021

We hope Deb's memories will bring comfort to Vince and family throughout this difficult time. Deb will always be remembered in academia as one of very few women who are appointed to the high rank of the Dean´s position. She worked tirelessly to support so many students, teachers, and faculty members both in the states and beyond. My special memories of Deb are the times she lifted me up when I was struggling with the tenure process at UNM. She always calmed me with her smiles and warm touch.

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