Debra Lynn Martin-Quigley

Outgoing and friendly are two of a thousand words that can only scratch the surface on describing Debbie Martin-Quigley, a woman who loved her family, lived for a good sale and kept a smile on her face no matter what the situation. On early Saturday morning, September 8, 2012, Debbie was able to join her daughter, Nicole, in heaven after unexpectedly passing away.

Debbie was born on August 15, 1958 in Arcata, California. After moving to Tracy, California for six years her family came back to Arcata and Debbie made it her permanent home for the next 45 years, growing her collection of friends by working at Humboldt National and Security Pacific banks and at the HSU Bookstore. Over the years everyone who knew her quickly learned that you could always find Debbie redecorating her home, planning a tea table, traveling with her daughters and her husband, Ken, or shopping for her daughters and her niece. These simple things in Debbie’s life never failed at putting a smile on her face.

Debbie was gifted with her greatest wish on August 17, 1999 when her twins Ashley and Nicole were born. Her daughters quickly became her world. Whether it be taking Nicole to dance class, watching Ashley’s countless soccer games or buying them mountains of clothing, she was always present and ready to smile. Although Debbie’s life was turned upside down when her daughter passed away she somehow still managed to find that familiar smile and laugh for her daughter Ashley.

Debbie’s smile was her signature that got her through a lifelong battle with Rheumatoid Arthritis and the death of her daughter, Nicole. Her smile could make any of her friends and family instantly feel happy. Her smile was who she was. Her smile will forever be in the memories of those she knew.

She is survived by her husband, Ken Quigley, daughter, Ashley Quigley, mother, Dolores Martin, sister, Pam Martin, niece Brittany Martin, cousins, Kathy Harnden & (Darrell), Sandy Hanks & (Fred), Judy Laursen, Doug Laursen, aunt Phil Holm, uncles, Louie, Dan and Bob Martin, cousins Jennifer and Rita, mother in law Pat Quigley, brothers in law, Mike Quigley & (Lisa), Steve Quigley & (Debra), Gary Quigley & (Cheryl), Larry Quigley, niece Lindsay Irving & (Scott), nephew Jeremy Quigley and niece Kimberly. She is preceded in death by her, daughter Nicole, father, Frank Martin, Jr., aunt Lorraine & Uncle Lee Laursen, uncle Herb Laursen, cousin Janet Laursen, aunt Mary & uncle Henry Simmons, uncle Richard Martin, and father in law Art Quigley.

Friends are invited to a Memorial Service in her honor at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 15, 2012 at the Arcata United Methodist Church, 1761 Eleventh Street, Arcata, California. A reception will follow.

Care is under the direction of Paul’s Chapel, Arcata, California. To leave messages and condolences please visit www.paulschapel.com