Deborah (Debby) Read Yoder, a passionate advocate for children and the arts, died at her home in Brookhaven on June 8th. She was 71 years young.
Debby grew up in Media, Pennsylvania and graduated from Nether Providence High School. After earning a degree in Art History from Muhlenberg College, Debby married and lived in Alaska, Connecticut, California, Texas and London, England before returning to her home in Delaware County, Pennsylvania.
As a generous volunteer and capable organizer, Debby made a significant impact on her community. Through the school district and various sports organizations, Debby’s enthusiasm and creativity helped to foster new programs (Senior Celebration, The Rex Storch Superman Swim) and revitalized traditional ones (Wallingford Elementary School’s Santa’s Workshop).
Professionally, Debby served as the Executive Director of the Community Arts Center in Wallingford from 2000-2012. During that time she oversaw the building of the Duke Gallery and expanded the scope of the center’s programming. She always had lollipops on her desk and a friendly moment for any of the children that visited her office.
Beyond her countless accomplishments and contributions, Debby was a unique force in many lives. She was a loyal friend, disarmingly honest, incredibly talented, and humble to a fault. She lived a beautiful life of integrity, grace, and grit. Debby will be dearly missed by many friends whom she considered family.
She is survived by her children; Suzanne (Suzy) and David (Tucker), her daughter-in-law; Colleen, her grandchildren; Ella, Joshua, Gabriel, Hannah and Lily, and her brother; William Read.
Per her wishes, there will be a party celebrating Debby’s life on Sunday, August 12th from 1pm to 5pm in the Duke Gallery at the Community Arts Center (414 Plush Mill Road; Wallingford, PA 19086 )Light refreshments will be served.
In lieu of flowers, a fund honoring Debby, and committed to supporting the arts interests she championed, has been established. If you would like to contribute to the fund, details are provided below.
Debby Yoder Fund Information:
Donations should be made payable to “The Foundation for Delaware County” and directed to “The Debby Yoder Fund”
Mail to:
Frances Sheehan, President
The Foundation for Delaware County
Suite 304
200 E. State Street
Media, PA 19063