A Chicago native, Deborah studied education and later worked in computer programming as a systems analyst. She was a single mother of two, having divorced prior to coming to Florida, a move that required her to place her faith in God and trust Him. She says that faith in God has helped her to be a loving, nurturing mother who also had a successful career. She is a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church and is president of the Council for Catholic Women. She loves to travel and spend time with her four granddaughters, and her favorite verse is Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things who Christ who strengthens me.”