OREGON - Deborah Girard, age 57, left us too soon on Thursday, July 17, 2008. Debi was born on December 13, 1950, in Chippewa Falls, WI, the daughter of Lloyd and Dorothy Girard. She graduated from Monroe High School in 1969. Debi had a lifelong love of animals both big and small. While in grade school she convinced her parents to allow her to raise rabbits. That changed in high school when the rabbits gave way to her horse named Sultan. After high school and upon moving to Oregon, her visitors would invariably find two or more cats and/or dogs underfoot or roaming her home. She once worked as a dog groomer and later as a veterinary assistant. In February 1978, Debi decided to make a career change and joined the staff of WHA Radio and Television, where she has been employed for the past 30 years. She enjoyed crafts and bead work as long as she could keep her pets from jumping on top of her work table. In her life, her infectious smile, sense of humor and joyous personality made her friends wherever she happened to be. Upon learning of her illness, her co-workers at WHA Radio and Television joined together and formed "Team Debi." Their purpose was to support Debi in any way they could, whether it be raking her lawn, sending notes, setting up a laptop or buying her a wig for her post chemo needs. Team Debi was hugely successful in raising Debi's spirit and was greatly appreciated by both Debi and her family.

Debi is survived by a brother, James (Pamela) Girard of DeForest; and by her best friend, caregiver and sister, Patricia Girard of Loves Park, IL; nephew, Joel Girard and a niece, Jennifer Knouse; great-nephews, Jackob Becker-Girard, Devin Carter and a great-niece, Jaidyn Leary. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Dorothy Girard.

Debi was a lifelong optimist. When told that she had an incurable cancer, one of her earliest comments was "now I'll be with mom and dad." And so she is.

At Debi's request, no services will be held. Her family is honoring her request. Memorials may be made to the Dane County Humane Society.

Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some people stay awhile and leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same.

Olson-Holzhuter-Cress

Stoughton

www.CressFuneralService.com