Deborah Kathryn Woodruff

Deborah “Debbie” Kathryn (Frazier) Woodruff was born on November 10, 1949, to loving parents, Jack and Louise Frazier, in Oakland, CA. When she was a baby, the family moved back to Bellingham, WA. She grew up on the Southside of town in Fairhaven on Donovan Ave. The family expanded to include younger sisters, Georgia, Bryn, Carrie, and brother Jack. She was among the first class of students to graduate from Sehome High School in 1968. Majoring in the arts, Debbie attended Washington State University and then graduated from Western Washington University. 

Falling in love with Orcas in the San Juan Islands, Debbie and her young family moved to the island where she raised her beloved children, Neil, Kathryn “Kati,” and Eric Woodruff. She designed and helped build the family’s custom home on Buck Mountain, as well as owning and managing multiple small businesses. Debbie loved being an active member of the island community where she bonded and connected with other artists, volunteered, and participated in her children’s school activities. 

Debbie moved from Orcas in the early 2000s to begin a new chapter in Seattle. There she joined a top US law firm, Cozen O’Connor, where she was a valued team member. She enjoyed both her colleagues and her administrative responsibilities managing the front desk and planning work events. She embraced the change from island life to city living by enjoying many of the cultural and culinary opportunities in Seattle, including being a season ticket holder to the Seahawks and the Pacific Northwest Ballet. 

Debbie had a passion for European travel, enjoying art museums and live music, making her own art, and spending time with family. She became a grandmother in 2017 to grandson Rally, whom she adored. 

After retiring in 2020, Debbie moved back to Bellingham, where she enjoyed the opportunity to spend more time with her large extended family and to reconnect with longtime friends. 

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Louise, and her brother, Jack. She is survived by her three children Neil (Rachel), Kati (Chris), and Eric (Stevie), grandson Rally, her siblings and their families, cousins, other extended family, and many dear friends. 

Cherished by her family and friends, her presence will be sorely missed.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 29th at 11:00am at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 1720 Harris Ave. Bellingham, WA, with reception following.