Deborah D. Barrett

Deborah D. Barrett, 75, of Downingtown, passed away on Friday, January 23, 2026 at Chester County Hospital with her family by her side.

Born in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania on February 9, 1950, Deborah was the daughter of the late Irvin Mayer Barag and Christianna Rae Avis (McLaughlin) Barag. She graduated from Great Valley High School and went on to attend West Chester University.

Deborah possessed a deep love and vast knowledge of nature, herbs, science, literature, and natural medicine; interests that shaped both her life and career. She worked at a local arboretum, taught youth nature education, and enjoyed various jobs related to her passions. She entered the health and wellness field as a Shiatsu practitioner and later fulfilled her lifelong passion for the outdoors while working as a Chester County park ranger at Hibernia Park. A devoted animal lover, she found great joy in observing and learning from the many creatures she encountered in nature.

One of Deborah's greatest joys was founding the Hibernia hiking club, where she created a vibrant social community that perfectly blended her love for long walks in nature with meaningful connection among like minded friends. Through these walks and hikes, she formed deep and lasting friendships.

Deborah was known for her sharp intellect, wonderful sense of humor, and curiosity about the world. She was an avid reader, a gifted cook who loved gathering family and friends around a meal, and she had a beautiful singing voice she enjoyed sharing.

She had a natural way of being ahead of her time, embracing ideas, tastes, and ways of living long before they became popular.

You could often find her spending time on her beautiful porch, all year round. She was also known for never missing a sunset, right to the very end, as her final moments on earth were as the sun went down.

Deborah's colorful personality, warmth, wisdom, and gentle spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Surviving are her children Ian Barag Smith, husband of Kristin, of Port Charlotte, FL, Joshua Yearsley Barrett, husband of Mykeyshua, of Aloha, OR, and Christiana Jeanne Muhammad, wife of Omar, of West Chester, PA; grandchildren Hannah Smith McCue (Joe), Ameer Muhammad, Kyree Muhammad, Micah Barrett, and Mya Abigail Barrett; great grandchildren Annalyse and Aubree; siblings Richard Barag (Gerry), Pamela Blank (Edward), Nicolle Love (Joe) and Stephanie Barag; former spouse Alan Barrett; many beloved generations of cousins, nieces, nephews, and a tribe of dedicated and loyal hiker friends.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026 at 5 PM at James J. Terry Funeral Home, 736 E Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown, PA 19335. Visitation will be from 3:45 – 4:45 PM prior to the service. The family encourages all to wear colorful attire.

In lieu of flowers, Deborah's family asks everyone to head outside, enjoy nature and literally, "take a hike." They know she would love that.