Deborah Loomis Henehan died peacefully on February 8, 2023, two and a half years after her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. In her last months, she was lovingly tended to by her niece, and great niece (Tanya and Brynn DeNee). In death, just as in life, she was surrounded by loving friends and family.

She was predeceased by her parents, Frances and Francis Henehan of Victor, New York and her brother Brooks Henehan of Marathon, Florida. She is survived by her brother David L. Henehan of Henrietta, New York, her nieces, Tanya DeNee (Jeffrey) of Naples New York, and Kirsten Bulich of Catskill, New York; nephews Brendan Henehan (Michelle), of Hall, New York, Shawn Frazier (Candace) of Yukon, Oklahoma, and Ian McBride of Marathon, Florida, and many close and loving cousins, great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her former husband Stephen Brudney (her “sweetie”) with whom she remained very connected to, as well as Steve’s children; Adam Brudney (Katelyn) and Emily Brudney Gruppman (Nathan), along with five step-grandchildren. She leaves behind many treasured and loving friends.

Deborah was compassionate, generous, outspoken, and spirited. She had an infectious playfulness and love of life and was both child-like and wise. She was a fierce advocate for disenfranchised and underserved populations and environmental justice issues. Deborah would say that if she had a religion, it was kindness. She loved to dance, and deeply loved animals and being outdoors — walking, hiking, swimming, camping, and backpacking.

Deborah was born on June 18, 1947 in Victor, New York and lived on the family estate “Ingleside” where she was raised and able to spend her summers on Canandaigua Lake at the family cottage. Deborah graduated from Victor Central School, received her associate degree from Vermont College and her undergraduate degree from Colorado State University. After receiving her bachelor’s, she explored life and worked in various fields, including owning a health food store in State College, Penn.

Eventually she found her way to California, where she attended and graduated from University of California, Los Angeles with a Master’s degree in Social Work and subsequently gained her clinical license (LCSW). Deborah lived and worked in Los Angeles for 15 years as a therapist until she couldn’t ‘take LA anymore’ and moved north to Humboldt County. In the early 1990s she worked at Northcountry Clinic in Arcata and later at Willow Creek Clinic until she retired. There she formed many close and lasting friendships.

Deborah is deeply missed by all who love her. The world has truly lost a profoundly loving soul - as if a light has gone out. But with this loss comes a continued gift – her legacy of love , playfulness and wisdom. Her precious presence remains here with us.

Special thanks for the extra loving help of a circle of close friends and relatives who assisted greatly at the end of Deborah’s time in this life plane.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Deborah Henehan loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.