Deborah Jean Blessing

Deborah (Murray) Jean (Brinton) Blessing, beloved wife, mother sister and friend passed away at her home on Dec. 31, 2007, from pancreatic cancer.

Debbie was born on Nov. 8, 1951, in Richland, Wash., the daughter of James W. (with whom she shared a birthday) and Mary Z. Brinton. She moved with family to Grandview, Wash., in 1957, where she began school. She graduated from Grandview High School in 1970 and went to work at a local certified public accounting firm in Grandview. Debbie's skills at her job and the encouragement of her employer, led he to return to school to earn a degree in accounting from Central Washington University in 1978.

On Aug. 4, 1979 she married Christopher Blessing at the Blessed Sacrament Church in Grandview, Wash., and they made their home in Moses Lake. She became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in 1980 and was employed by Wood and Blessing and LeMaster and Daniels. She has been employed by the state Department of Social and Health Services in Moses Lake for the past 15 years. Deborah was an avid gardener. She completed a Master Gardener certification and volunteered countless hours improving local landscapes, including schools, churches and private homes. She was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church.

Deborah is survived by her husband, Christopher, her daughter Alexis Marie and son Christopher Ross, all of Moses Lake; brothers and sisters V. James Brinton of Harper's Ferry, W. Va., Michael Brinton of Hansville, Wash., Benita Slaeker of Kent, Wash., Richard Brinton of Grandview, Wash., Barbara Taylor of Spokane, and Michele May of Kennewick, Wash.; in addition to numerous nieces and nephews.

She is also survived by her four cats, Tango, Toby, Mattie and Sweetie.

In lieu of flowers, in recognition of her lifelong love of cats, horses and all animals it was Deborah's wish that donations be sent to the Grant County Animal Outreach on Randolph Road, 509-762-9616, or Calico Cat in Moses Lake.

Rosary is Thursday, Jan. 3, at 1 p.m. and the service is Friday, Jan. 4, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Church. The reception is at Pillar Rock Grill following the service.