After a six month battle with adrenal cancer Deborah Silber passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of October 31, with family & close friends at her side. Deborah was 53 years old & was born in Chicago, Illinois to Harriet S. Silber, a school teacher, and the late Dr. Earl N. Silber, a cardiologist. She graduated from Ripon College, Ripon, Wisconsin, in 1980 with a BA in Biology and went on to study graduate level biology at Humboldt State University in Arcata, CA. where she completed her course-work for a Masters Degree.
In 1988, she began working at the Seattle biotechnology company Immunex (later Amgen) in the DNA sequencing lab and continued that work until shortly before her death. Deborah’s work was one of the most rewarding and important aspects of her life. In her many years in the DNA lab, Deborah’s scientific contributions impacted many projects and forged many friendships. She cared deeply for her friends and colleagues and delighted in hearing about their families and pets. She had a generous heart and loved giving little treats for her co-worker’s children.
Deborah moved to Vashon Island in 1993. Many of us will remember her as a behind the scenes, hard-working contributor to various events sponsored by the Vashon Gay Pride Alliance.
She loved art and the art in nature, the poetry of Mary Oliver and the writings of Buddhist Pema Chodron. She was devoted to her golden retrievers, Gabriel and Newton. She will be remembered for her fierce commitment to science, her love of nature, a fondness for dogs & horses, and her kind and caring spirit. She was a champion of the every-day working person and never lost her child-like wonder for many of the simple things in this world.
Deborah is survived by her devoted mother, Harriet Silber of Chicago, her loving brothers, Dr. Gershon Silber of Christiansburg, Virginia, Jonathan Silber of Chicago, Illinois and Gary Silber of Jackson, Mississippi. She was a beloved and revered aunt to Laurel, Anne, Christopher, David, Rachel, Kate, Victoria and Wyeth. She was an adored great aunt to Sydney, Macy, Truett, Emerson, Henry and Noah.
A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, November 19 at the north end Vashon Grange Hall (10365 SW Cowan Rd) from 3-6pm. At 4:00 pm we will share remembrances. Please join us in honoring Deborah; stories, photographs, and a potluck dish to share are welcome.
If you would like to make a contribution in her name, please send to BaaHaus Animal Rescue Group, PO Box 2356, Vashon, 98070 (www.baahaus.org)
We deeply miss our dearest pal. May peace be with you beloved friend.
You will not be forgotten.
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