MADISON - Deborah Anita Frances (Gorman) Murray, affectionately known as Debbie, Deb, Mom, and Grandma, was released from the bonds of early-onset Alzheimer's disease on Jan. 3, 2021, at Sage Meadow Assisted Living and Memory Care, with family at her side until the very end.

Debbie was born on Nov. 17, 1954, in Chicago, Ill. Her parents, Joan (Buechner) Gorman and Donald Gorman, would give Debbie five younger siblings. Debbie's childhood homes spanned the country before her mother settled in Madison, Wis., to be nearer family. Debbie was a natural caregiver. She had a comforting, easy way with children, and sometimes found herself playing the role of mini mom to her brothers and sister. These experiences would help prepare her for motherhood when her first child, Shawn, was born in 1973. Life as a single mom was challenging, but in becoming a mother, Debbie found her purpose and passion.

Life was busy as Debbie provided for her family in the years to follow. In 1982, she earned her high school diploma from Madison East High School while working in retail for Gimbels department store and raising her son. Life became a different kind of busy after her marriage in 1985 and the births of two more sons, Jordan in 1986 and Devin in 1990. She loved her boys fiercely and relished the days she could parent full-time and volunteer at Lake View Elementary School, where she chaperoned fieldtrips, monitored the playground, and helped in the classroom. There was nothing she would not do for her boys. She may even have lost (intentionally) a hotly contested game of Candy Land on occasion.

Her big love extended to the rest of her family as well. She made it a point to connect with everyone, from siblings and in-laws to nieces and nephews, during much anticipated summer camping trips and holiday gatherings. Debbie was truly the "glue" gal of the family – to borrow a sports term for the player that holds the team together. Sports also provided one of her greatest joys in life... the chance to watch her boys compete in various athletic events. She logged countless bleacher hours as a superfan.

In 1998, Debbie became "Grandma" following the birth of the first of five grandchildren. In addition to spending time with the kids, in her free time she enjoyed gardening, reading, home improvement projects, and caring for her pets. A perfect evening for Debbie was dinner, a movie, and listening to '70s music on her deck. Her boundless creativity complemented her skill with a sewing machine. She could turn a shower curtain into a pair of youth swim trunks. Literally.

Her family will hold close the myriad memories made before Alzheimer's stole hers.

Debbie is survived by three sons, Shawn (Becky) of Waunakee, Jordan (Lauren) of Milwaukee, and Devin of Madison; five grandchildren, Halle, Kacie, Trey, Brooklynn, and Bently; four siblings, Mike (Toni), Jeff (Cathy), Teresa, and Doug; 17 nieces and nephews; and former spouse, Mike, his parents and brothers, and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Paul; her nephew, Troy; and much adored grandma, Dorothy, who spent countless hours doing jigsaw puzzles with her.

The family would like to extend special thanks to those who helped care for Debbie during the last seven years as Alzheimer's ravaged her mind and body but failed to rob her spirit. Caring for someone with dementia is angels' work. Many attentive staff provided daily care and support. We are also grateful to her Agrace caregivers, and all who watched over Debbie with diligence, skill, and unyielding kindness.

Please consider making a memorial donation to Agrace hospice and supportive care services (5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711) or the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org). The family invites online condolences at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

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Published by Madison.com on Jan. 10, 2021.