Deborah K. Light

Deb Light, 64, died on January 25, 2016 at Conestoga View. Deb was the daughter of the late Ralph “Ratz” and Elizabeth (Loeb) Light and was originally from Cleona, PA where she was born on April 24, 1951.  She graduated from the Annville-Cleona High School then from East Stroudsburg University where she received a Master’s Degree in Physical Education.  She worked for the YMCA for many years in California and became the Executive Director of a San Francisco branch and later a Los Angeles one.  She returned to PA and to college for a second career in physical therapy, graduating in 1993 from Penn Central College.  From that time until her retirement in 2005, she worked at a variety of skilled nursing facilities, the last of which was Conestoga View.

Deb was an only child and had no children so she leaves no immediate relatives. However, Deb does leave an array of loving friends who will miss her greatly.  She leaves her best friends from childhood, Judy Rast and Lianne Kriner.  She leaves many college friends with whom she had remained close, particularly Laurie Bortz.  She leaves her very close friend Grethen Roy, husband Bob and their son Ben, for whom Deb is the godmother.  She leaves her devoted friend and caregiver for the past 10 years Carol Gallimore, her husband Peter, her children Hollie and Laurel Young and grandson Keaton Taylor.  Being a caregiver for Deb has been an honor and an inspiration for all of those involved.

Deb had suffered with Huntington’s Disease, a progressive neurological disease, from which her mother also died. It gradually took every function from her except her smile, her faith and her feelings of appreciation for all who touched her life.  Though her speech was very limited near the end, her response when asked how she was doing, was always “perfect”.  She had enjoyed travelling, exercising, including biking, running and swimming and most sports.  She loved her church family at Hamilton Park UCC.  She had a loving and generous heart.  Deb had been a resident at Conestoga View for nearly two years, after it became too difficult to care for her safely at home and her “family” is grateful for the compassionate care and attention they provided.

Her memorial services will be held at Hamilton Park UCC, 1210 Maple Ave., Lancaster, PA with the Reverend Catherine M. Shiley, at a time yet to be determined. Kindly omit flowers.  Memorial contributions to help end this dreadful disease can be sent to Huntington’s Disease Society of America, 505 Eighth Ave., Suite 902, New York, NY 10018, or online at hdsa.org.