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BORN
1951
DIED
2017
Debra King Obituary
April 3, 1951 - Sept. 19, 2017
Debra passed away surrounded by her family and a close friend, after decades of battling with cancer.Debra was an early childhood educator and children's advocate all of her adult life.
After spending many years a a kindergarten and 1st grade teacher, she opened The Debra King School on 26th Street in San Francisco which she directed for 20 years. She stressed three things with all of her students: Take care of yourself, take care of each other and take care of this place. She infused her school with the joy of music and taught lessons through song. She effortlessly demonstrated love for every child she had in her care.
Debra was also a tireless advocate for women with cancer. After she became too sick to continue teaching, she devoted herself to supporting other women stricken with any kind of cancer. She made it a priority to console and consult with women about the hard facts of dealing with cancer, chemotherapy and alternative treatment options.
Debra is survived by her two wonderful daughters Katie and Laura, her loving husband Dennis, and a large extended family too numerous to detail.
Debra made this world a better place through her loving kindness and generous artistic spirit.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Debra King
March 23, 2018
I just came across this site and now know why I haven't heard from or about one of my earliest friends. The little girl this little boy had a secret crush on. As she asked my advice about her crushes on Paul Sogol and others while inside I was secretly wanting to be her boyfriend. I was happy to be her friend and wish upon a star. I can remember painting her name on my bicycle. Rest steady my dear departed friend. Life wasn't always fair and you offered me health advice as I battled my first lung cancer and gave me strength. I am still battling, now my third battle with that lousy disease. I was shocked and did not want to believe what I read just now in late March 2018.
I am sitting here crying for one of my best friends growing up in Broomall. She was a sister with four siblings and I was a brother also with four siblings and in some ways felt we paralleled our youth.
Running through the halls of Beth El, partying at each other's Bar and Bat Mitzvahs and the fun you had in Tex as I was president (Sigma Rho) of S.A.R.
It is comforting to know you had another life with people I never met and how lucky they were to know and laugh with you, which is m sure you did because Deb was a fun person to be around. To her husband and children my deepest condolences and you had a very special person in your lives and I know I do not have to tell you but I am. I hope you are doing well, Judy and sister Bev and Ayne who probably don't know who I am and to Stan who. Am afraid to ask about as I have not heard from or about him for many years.
Shema Yisroal, Adonoi Eloheinu, Adonoi Echad. Hear oh Israel is My friend Debbie Shore
Sylvia
October 11, 2017
The angels told me you are with them now.
Debra, I know you are looking down on your grieving friends, family members, and especially your children and Dennis. God grant them the peace of knowing that she will never be gone as long as she remains in their hearts and memories. She IS with you.
Doll, till we meet again.
robin sherrer
October 4, 2017
Missing her has only begun. In many ways she is always here - with every quilt I see, with every kind word. The click of man jong tiles, the art and love in her homes.... and the fight for life, so brave and unstinting. Lucky that there are two stalwart daughters who carry that same sweet and strong spirit, along with her dear husband. You are a treasure, and your good lingers. - Robin S.
Lena Brook and Jonah Becker
October 3, 2017
We are deeply thankful that our daughter Ava got to be part of the DKS during her preschool years. Debra's kindness and wisdom graced us all, especially during particularly difficult moments for our community. We're holding her, and her sweet family, in our hearts during this difficult time. She will be greatly missed.
Marcie Kleiman
October 3, 2017
I'm thankful to have known Deb from Debbie to Debra to Deb. She loved to laugh and create and share. I will think of her often and hope to stay in touch with Dennis and Kate and Laura.
Ellen Lesse
October 3, 2017
In my mind's eye, I will always remember Debbie walking down the hall in high school with Judy in their embroidered jeans and clogs. Sisters who were always together. Two beautiful, kind girls, loved by everyone, who would grow into beautiful, talented, caring women, wives, mothers, and career women. Rest In Peace, Debra, and condolences to all those who love her.
October 3, 2017
My deepest condolences to her family.
Mara Abrams Kubulins (MNHS '69)
Julie GLANTZ
October 2, 2017
My daughter turned 21 last month. She started her education at Debra King School. We stayed in touch for years. The life lessons, good parenting, love and compassion that Debra believed in and shared are things we have never forgotten, just as we will never forget her. A remarkable woman. Funny, smart, kind. Peace to her now and to your family.
Teresa Donnelly
October 2, 2017
A wonderful woman and mother and community member. Sending condolences to all who loved her which I am sure are many. I am glad Debra touched my life.
Kimberly Hughes
October 2, 2017
Debra was an inspiration to all of us in the field of early childhood education. She was a wonderful neighbor and friend. I'll miss you!
Josie Ingber
October 2, 2017
To my dear friend for 47 years who never wasted one minute of her life, who never gave up, who always remained positive even in the darkest times, who always encouraged me and who I will never forget. I love you Deb.
Wendy Robushi, David and Jiana Schnabel
October 2, 2017
It was a joy to know Debra, at DKS, and later at the Shipyard. She was a special woman. Sincere condolences to Dennis, Katie, Laura, and all of her extended family.
Baiba Serocca
October 2, 2017
My deepest condolences to Debbie's family. With warmest aloha, Baiba Serocca
October 2, 2017
I send the deepest sympathy and my condolences to Dennis, Katie and Laura. I always held Debra in high regard. God bless all the mourners.
Love always,
Noelle McGivern
lorraine hoffman
October 2, 2017
my deepest condolences to her family
October 2, 2017
I'm so sorry to hear of Debbie's passing. We all grew up together in Broomall, graduated from Marple Newtown the same year, and belonged to the same synagogue, Beth El. My husband, Marc, also graduated with us and was also a friend of Debbie's. I lost him to pancreatic cancer in 2013.
Words mean little at a time like this, but it's all we have to give. Please know that Debbie is remembered fondly by many of us, as that incredibly sweet young girl who always had a kind word to say to everyone.
Katie King
October 2, 2017
love you mom
Sandy Robbins Avidan
October 2, 2017
I'm saddened to hear about Debbie, she will be missed by many old neighbors, friends from near and far and family that meant so much to her. Condolences to her children and husband , may she be remembered as a wonderful mom, teacher and wife... may she be wrapped in the Arms of Hashem ✡
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