Deborah Maloney

Aug 30, 1950 -

Sep 21, 2025

Debbie Kay Daughenbaugh Maloney passed away peacefully on Sept. 21, 2025, at the age of 75, in Seattle, Wash., surrounded by love.

Born on Aug. 30, 1950, in Wichita, Kan., Debbie was the youngest of five children. She graduated from Wichita State University with a degree in sociology and a minor in history.

Eager to see the world, Debbie left Kansas soon after college for Lake Tahoe, where she worked as a cocktail waitress at Harrah's Casino and skied whenever she wasn't on shift. Life was always her own design.

In 1973, Debbie moved to Girdwood, Alaska, where she bartended, skied every chance she had and even helped organize helicopter skiing trips on nearby glaciers. She quickly became a true Alaskan, embracing the outdoors with an immense sense of adventure.

Later, she moved to Anchorage to work for the Alaska State Department of Commerce and Economic Development, a role that took her to towns and villages across Alaska.

In Anchorage, she met attorney Dennis Maloney, marrying in 1981 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Together, they built their home on Goose Lake. Debbie loved to cook and entertain, known especially for her Caesar salad and her annual St. Patrick's Day parties.

What she loved most, though, was family. In 1985, Debbie and Dennis adopted their daughter Bridget, followed by their son Patrick in 1990. The family spent cherished time at their cabin on the Kenai River, fishing and celebrating birthdays and holidays. Debbie instilled her children with her deep love of Alaska and the outdoors.

In 2000, she moved with her children to Seattle. There, she continued her passion for helping others, volunteering at the VA Hospital and New Horizon School.

Debbie lived her life with courage, humor and an open heart. She lit up every room she entered with her contagious laugh. She loved traveling the world, exploring Africa and Italy with her sisters, and countless trips to Mexico with her partner, Doug.

In her final days, Debbie reflected on her life with gratitude and pride: "No one could beat my life. When I told them what I've done, I was so brave."

Debbie is survived by her children, Bridget and Patrick Maloney; sisters, Dalene Stevens and Denice Craig; and a wide circle of friends who became family.

A service to celebrate Debbie's beautiful life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, from 2-5 p.m., at the Congregational Church on Mercer Island, Wash.