Deborah C. Whitson

Hosts of strangers became instant friends when Debby Whitson smiled, reached out her hands and found a common interest she could share. Those around her were immediately drawn to her creative energy, joyful laugh, and peaceful, trusting spirit.In the second half of her life, she endured the progressive effects of Multiple Sclerosis. She continued her overflow of gratitude, deep faith, and an acceptance of what life brings.Debby Whitson died November 4, 2015 in Portland, Ore. from complications of the disease at the age of 66. Deborah Carleen Whitson was born May 13, 1949 in Billings, Mont., Debby, who hated deadlines or strict schedules (along with cooking and cleaning), was often found doodling on an art pad while watching TV, or at the kitchen table working into the night on an art project without an eye on the clock, until she was satisfied with the results. Debby graduated from Billings Central High School, where she was first-chair trumpet in the band, and inspired by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, went off to college at the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth, Kan. She graduated with a degree in art, and for her senior project, she painted an old-fashioned cast-iron bathtub orange, which, with yellow, was one of her two favorite colors. After college, she went back to Billings, and worked for Gene Rockman Interiors where she put to use her talent for speedily and expertly choosing and mixing colors and fabrics. In the early 1980s, she moved to Portland, OR where her sister Cheri lived with her husband and two small nephews. Debby became their doting “Aunt Doo,” teaching them to ride bikes, playing with them in the sandbox, and spoiling them with her favorite treats, Pepsi and chocolate cake. She worked for a floral shop, where she enjoyed making floral displays with her favorite flowers, Gerbera daisies. She then worked at Providence St. Vincent’s Hospital. She enjoyed visiting with patients so much she completed a Catholic hospital chaplaincy program sponsored by the Sisters of Providence. There she reached out to people who needed comfort, sometimes just offering a prayer, a nod of reassurance, or a hand to hold. She also became an Associate of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon. Debby had been diagnosed with MS at age 30. As her health deteriorated, gradually she had to give up her work and her yellow Mustang car, then walked with a cane, and finally used a wheelchair. She is survived by her sister Cheri Swoboda, (Gary) of Portland, Ore., nephews Ryan (Jana) of Germany, Tim (Anna) of Lake Oswego, Ore., father James A. (Evelyn) Whitson of Billings, nieces Cindy Capps, of Belton, Texas, and Joyce (Albert) Visser, of Billings; Gayle (Stan) Kautz, Kathy (Cleve) Hull, Judy Burke and Janny Burke (Wayne), all of Laruel, and long time friends Dick and Jane Barnette, Beaverton, Ore. Her mother Norma Whitson, preceded her in death, January, 2013. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015, at Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Chapel, 4440 S.W. 148th Ave., Beaverton, Ore. Remembrances are suggested to: Office of Disability, Grant Fund For Children with Disabilities, Archdiocese of Portland, 2838 E. Burnside, Portland, Ore., 97214, "in remembrance of Debby Whitson." Please email memories of Debby to [email protected]