Deborah Ann (Atkinson) Kirby

July 20, 1951 – September 6, 2026

Deborah Ann (Atkinson) Kirby—Debbie to those who knew and loved her—died on September 6, 2026, after bravely facing a brutal battle with cancer. She was 75.

Debbie was born July 20, 1951, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Jim Finlay and Joyce Erickson Finlay. When Debbie was seven, the family moved to Minnesota, where she grew up in Wayzata on the shores of Lake Minnetonka. Her mother later married Harold Atkinson, who adopted Debbie and her siblings and became their father. Debbie attended school in Orono and later Pine Manor in Boston, Massachusetts.

Those who knew Debbie well understood that first impressions didn’t always tell the whole story. She could be direct. She could be gruff. She certainly had no shortage of colorful language, and no one would ever accuse her of having much of a filter. But beneath that exterior was a woman who was thoughtful, kind, strong, generous and deeply loving. Her brother perhaps described her best: “Debbie simply didn’t have a mean bone in her body.”

Family was at the center of Debbie’s life. She was devoted to her sons, Peter and Brian, and that devotion did not waver when life became difficult. When Brian required care away from home, Debbie made certain he received the professional care, attention and support he needed. She remained steadfastly his mother and advocate, making sure that he was cared for with dignity and compassion.

Debbie experienced the heartbreak of losing her son Peter before her own death. Through everything, family remained one of the constants of her life.

Being a grandmother brought Debbie particular joy. She loved her grandsons, Jack and Blake, and being their grandma was among the roles she treasured most.

Debbie was also the kind of friend people could count on. She offered friendship, compassion and acceptance without judgment. Her loyalty was genuine, and when she cared about someone, she cared deeply. Debbie was especially fortunate in the steadfast friendship of Krissy, Lisa and Flannery, who stood beside her, cared for her and helped make sure she was never alone when she needed them most.

Dogs were another great love of Debbie’s life. She raised boxers and worked as a dog handler with the Long Lake Hunt Club, including managing its hounds. She was a longtime member of The Marsh and had fond memories of growing up at Woodhill Country Club, where she enjoyed playing tennis.

And then there were cars. Debbie loved them. She bought many over the years and somehow managed to love them all.

She loved to travel, too. Cayman Brac and Mexico were among her favorite destinations, and she enjoyed cruises—although, in Debbie’s estimation, some were wonderful adventures and others probably should never have happened in the first place. Half Moon Lake near Eveleth, Minnesota, was another special place in her life.

At home, Debbie could happily disappear into a romance novel, sometimes polishing off an entire book in a day. She loved old Westerns, particularly Gunsmoke, Wagon Train and The Rifleman. And while her straightforward personality might lead one to guess otherwise, those who didn’t know her well might be surprised to learn that her favorite color was pink.

Debbie shared a special bond with her brother, Jim. The two could make each other laugh, often finding humor in one another and in the absurdities of life. That laughter—and Debbie’s unmistakable way of saying exactly what she thought—will be greatly missed.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, Jim Finlay, Joyce Erickson Finlay Atkinson and Harold Atkinson; her brother, Ace Atkinson; her sister, Linda (Atkinson) Bing; and her son, Peter Kirby.

She is survived by her son, Brian Kirby; her beloved grandsons, Jack and Blake Kirby; her brother, Jim Atkinson, and his wife, Reidun; and her nieces and nephews, Jim Bing, Addy Bing, Finlay Atkinson, Ryan Kennedy and Heather Kennedy Hymer. Her life was also enriched by many dear friends and extended family members who will miss her deeply.

And, of course, there is Chloe, Debbie’s sweet Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and much-loved companion. Debbie’s family takes great comfort in knowing that Chloe is now being loved and cared for by Debbie’s dear friend Krissy.

A Celebration of Debbie’s Life will be held Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at David Lee Funeral Home, 1220 Wayzata Blvd. East, Wayzata, Minnesota 55391, 952-473-5577. Family and friends are invited to gather, share stories, laugh, remember and celebrate a life that mattered deeply to them.

Debbie’s family asks that those wishing to remember her consider making a donation to a nonprofit animal rescue in their local community. Helping a dog find a safe and loving home would have made Debbie smile.