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Deborah Alley Obituary
NORTHPORT, Mich. - Deborah Bunn Alley, 62, of Northport, MI died Monday, May 10, 2010, at Midwest Palliative and Hospice Care Center in Skokie, Illinois.
She was born on March 31, 1948, in Springfield, Illinois, the daughter of the late George Regan Bunn Sr. and the late Nancy Heidrich Bunn. She most recently resided in Northport, Michigan.
Deborah graduated from The Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, New York and the University of Colorado at Boulder. She received graduate degrees from the University of Illinois at Springfield and the New York School of Design. She supported many charitable organizations including the Atwill Memorial Chapel of Northport Point, Michigan, the Leelanau Children's Center, and the Leelanau Conservancy.
"Walayla" embodied the mystical and captured the imagination of children and adults alike in Northport Point at her Faerie School. Under the mantra "Believe", she lifted and inspired those around her with courage, positive energy and enthusiasm during her 15-year battle with ovarian cancer. She was a dedicated mother, grandmother, wife, sister, friend and faerie godmother to many.
Deborah was preceded in death by her husband, William J. Alley; and is survived by her son, Brayton Bunn Alley (wife, Pim) of Lake Forest, Illinois; grandsons, George Pittman Bunn Alley and Grant Davidson Doerr Alley; and siblings George Regan Bunn Jr. of New York, New York, Pamela Bunn Brown of Springfield, Illinois and Arthur Heidrich Bunn of Springfield, Illinois; and many nieces and nephews.
She was touched by the outpouring of love and support from friends and family and wanted everyone to know that she was at peace.
A memorial service and interment will be held at Atwill Memorial Chapel on Saturday, July 17, 2010, at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to one of the following organizations: The Deborah Bunn Alley Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, care of The Northern Trust Company, 265 E. Deerpath Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045 or Atwill Memorial Chapel, 105 N, Northcott Drive, Northport, MI 49670 or The Leelanau Children's Center (Northport Center), P. O. Box 317, Leland, MI 49654.
Wenban Funeral Home, Lake Forest (847) 234-0022 or www.wenbanfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Deborah Alley
Janet Whetsel
July 22, 2010
Condolences to Debbie's family. I will miss the insightful observations she shared with the Northport Library's Reading Group.
Her spirit and generosity will never be forgotten.
Ann Zelle
May 29, 2010
Debbie’s strength, optimism and unquenchable spirit were inspiring and contagious. She lit up any space she entered; she brought smiles to all who heard her laugh. She helped a lot of people along her path.
Her annual family photo, complete with children, grandchildren, dogs, rabbits, drawings and poetry, was always the first Christmas cheer to reach my mailbox. Along with it, she wrote for us her life story. A fairy tale of sorts. Thanks, Deb.
With love and sympathy from all the Zelles
Marty Sumner
May 25, 2010
I remember Debbie from Anti-Rust, vibrant and interested in everything. She was a lovely lady who will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Eleanor Sakris
May 23, 2010
To Deborah's family:
My Sincere Sympathy
Rosie Roach
May 23, 2010
Dearest Pam and Hy and all.... We are so saddened to hear of Debby's death...in spite of her devasting illness Debby managed to create a magical life for herself and so many others. I know you will miss her terribly. Much love... Rosie, Rob, Andy, Phil & Kim
May 21, 2010
It is with sadness that I have read of the passing of Debbie. Many happy days in Springfield and Michigan. The Bunn family was a big part of our life. She will be sadly missed, but SO joyfully remembered.
Charles L. Patton
Goodyear, AZ
Mary Vovsi
May 20, 2010
Pam and family,
I am sorry to hear of your sister Debbie's passing. I remember how close the two of you were. My sympathy goes out to you and the family during this sad time.
Mary Vovsi Las Vegas,Nv.
May 20, 2010
julie and i send our deepest sympathy to the entire Bunn family on their loss of DEBORAH. A great lady who contributed in many ways to the betterment of society. She will be sorely missed by many!! julie and pat noonan
Bob Goldman
May 20, 2010
Hi and Pam and family---------- knew Debbie most all of her life and there was never a nicer or more fun person. My thoughts are with you in the coming days.
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