Deborah K. Arnold

Arnold, Deborah K.
GUILDERLAND - Deborah K. Arnold died March 25, 2024, at the age of 73. She was born in Albany, N.Y. and attended parochial schools in Albany and Schenectady. She attended Mohonasen schools until her graduation. In high school, she was active with the school newspaper and in theater groups.
Deb put herself through college by working at a fast-food restaurant and in a supermarket. She received her associate degree from Hudson Valley Community College, her bachelor's degree in English Education from SUNY Albany, and her master's degree in educational psychology from the College of St. Rose. She worked for the American Heart Association. She was a member of the American Association of University Women, the Shaker Heritage Society, and the Lynnwood Reformed Church.
Deb had a host of close and loyal friends with whom she kept in touch by telephone. She was a walking telephone directory, able to remember numbers going back to her childhood. She was a great listener, lending a sympathetic ear when needed, offering advice when asked, or remembering with a card or gift. She was a prolific writer of letters and thank-you note. She was also a keen observer, noting things that needed doing and then actually doing them without being asked. She never drew attention to herself and was happy seeing others being happy. Some of her favorite people and things included Shakespeare, biology, Richard Chamberlain, mah jongg, the British royal family, Maya Anjelou, and Blue Bloods. It was typical that she had her body donated to Albany Medical College. An acquaintance wrote, "I feel so blessed to have had Deb-that witty, fun loving, generous, gracious person as my friend."
She is survived by her husband Richard, their daughter Amanda, a son-in-law, a sister-in-law, and three siblings with their spouses and families. She was predeceased by her parents.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. at the Lynnwood Reformed Church, 3714 Carman Rd. (Route 146), in Schenectady, N.Y. 12303. Light refreshments and time for conversation and reminiscing will be provided after the service. Memorial contributions would be appreciated by the American Heart Association at heart.org or the Shaker Heritage Society of Albany at home.shakerheritage.org/donate-today/