Deborah Webster (Halakan)

It is with deepest sadness that we announce the peaceful passing, in the comfort of her home, of Deborah Webster. With grace and dignity, Deb surrounded herself with her loving family to bid them farewell and then passed on April 28th, 2024. Deborah was born in Schenectady on February 17th, 1952, to the late Dewey and Constance Webster. She was also predeceased by her cherished grandson, Sage Latimer, who she adored. Deb always enthusiastically provided him with so many wonderful and joyful experiences.

Deborah was a 1970 graduate of Mohonasen High School, where she was an outstanding student and proud member of the color guard.

Against all odds, Deb attended Union College, graduated with an Art Education degree from St. Rose, and earned a Master’s of Fine Arts from Albany State University. She then went on to become a highly regarded teacher in the Schenectady City School District, teaching a variety of art courses, including Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Art, until her retirement in 2008.

Never one to give up on anything or anyone, her accomplishments were many. Chosen to design and create one of the horse statues for the city of Saratoga, she was featured in a WMHT documentary highlighting the project.

Also, a Fulbright scholarship award winner to Australia and a three-year sabbatical in Hawaii provided adventures she so loved.

In retirement she and her husband Lex, opened a tremendously successful art studio and gallery on Anna Maria Island, Florida, overlooking Tampa Bay. She loved the ocean and the life she led living on the Island for over 10 years. Her Anna Maria friends were very dear to her as she would often reminisce about the adventures and the peaceful beach times they shared.

Deb was an inspiration to so many in so many ways. Always looking to assist in any way possible, from coming to the aid of less fortunate students by purchasing them prom dresses to helping them pursue scholarships they thought out of reach. So many owe so much to her loving and kind spirit.  Deborah loved the outdoors and had a great appreciation for nature. Her love of gardening was especially evident when she regarded a truck load of dirt as one of the best gifts Lex could have ever given her. The only better gift would have been her own key to Marshalls.

But if you knew Deb, you knew that her greatest accomplishment was her ability to make everyone she encountered feel special. She had a one in a million way of making everyone feel welcome and loved. Her smile was one that was genuinely loving and infectious. And even though Parkinson’s Disease robbed her of so much, it was never able to conquer that beautiful smile.

Deb is survived by her most loving husband, Lex Halakan, her most cherished son, Dan Northrup, (Dawn Lukes), her most precious daughter, Kyndra Northrup, Kyndra’s loving sister, Aleeza Oppelt Van Avery (John Van Avery), Deb’s beloved stepdaughter Liz (Sam) Mahan, her loving brother Ed (Judy) Webster, her loving sister Cheryl Webster (Cliff Baum) and several treasured nieces, nephews, and cousins. There is also her very special “Arizona family” from which her amazingly special Arty, so appropriately proclaimed her,” Great Grandma Princess”.  All were so very special and dear to her. Deb also leaves behind a countless number of valued friends, most notably the AWOW Girls, whose valued relationships were so special.

An extra special thank you to Stacy Lynn Hill whose care, love, and support extended far beyond the call of duty.  Because of Stacy, Deb was able to remain at home and have all of her end of life wishes realized. There are no words that could express the appreciation and gratitude our family feels for Stacy. Also, heartfelt thanks to Dr. Eric Mohol and his staff at the neurology department at Albany Medical Center. Their care, patience, and expertise were integral in extending Deb’s quality of life.  And sincere appreciation to community hospice for their incredible support and understanding, ensuring Deb’s last days were peaceful and comfortable.

Calling hours will be at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home,1605 Helderberg Ave, Rotterdam, NY 12306, Thursday, May 9, 4-7pm.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Community Hospice, 445 New Karner Rd.

Albany, NY 12205.