Deborah Marie Longley

On July 31, 2025, Deborah Marie Longley passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her beloved family and pets, listening to her favorite musician, Harry Chapin. After courageously battling breast cancer in various forms for over a decade, Deborah has gone home to rest in the arms of her Savior.

A devoted Catholic, Deborah lived her life as a reflection of her faith — with generosity, compassion, and unwavering kindness. Her open heart, love of sharing knowledge, and gift for making others feel welcome touched all who knew her.

Deborah was married to the love of her life, John “Jack” Longley, for over 40 years until his passing in 2012. She was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Aurelia Jacobson, and her sister Judith Books. She is survived by her brother, Ronald Jacobson of Marshall, WI; her children: Andy Gussert of Madison, WI, Pamela Longley (Scott Rack) of High Falls, NY, and Cynthia (Eric) Fosholdt of Sullivan, WI; her grandchildren: Ashlynn “Bones” Longley (Mark Anderson) and Andrew Fosholdt, both of Dousman, WI, and Alerik Longley-McHenry (Abby) of Fenton, MI; and her great-grandchildren, who lit up her world in her final years: Cú Chulainn Bradner-Longley-McHenry and Eiræleigh & Elliúnn Bones. Deborah also leaves behind her beloved pets Lucy, Trixie, and Foxy, as well as a wide circle of extended family and friends who will miss her dearly.

Deborah was an extremely intelligent, self-educated woman of class, whose grace, insight, and sharp wit left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She shared her love of music by playing acoustic guitar and singing to her children when they were young. She also had a deep love for literature, especially the works of poet Edna St. Vincent Millay, often sharing her favorite lines with her family. To Deborah, learning was a lifelong pursuit — a passion she joyfully passed on to her grandchildren, describing it as “filling your castle,” a phrase that became her way of encouraging them to always expand their minds and hearts.

She found beauty in the simple joys of life — star gazing with her family and grandchildren, tending her gardens, hunting and fishing, and cherishing the wonders of nature. For many years, she ran a flower and vegetable farm, specializing in thousands of stunning gladiolas each season, which she called “food for the soul.” She also cultivated a deep appreciation for antiques, attending auctions, and restoring treasures with Jack. Her passion led her to become an active member of a local bottle club, where she enjoyed trading and sharing her knowledge with others.

Deborah also loved spending time socializing at the Bark River Yacht Club in Dousman, where she bartended for many years and built lasting friendships. It was there she met weekly with her beloved “golf girls” after their outings, enjoying laughter, camaraderie, and community. She was a skilled Euchre and Sheepshead player and a talented darts competitor, winning many tournaments at the Yacht Club and beyond.

Her kitchen table and living room were never without guests. Whether it was Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, or an ordinary Tuesday night, Deborah’s home overflowed with family, friends, and anyone in need of a warm meal and a safe place to rest. Her legendary cooking and holiday feasts, combined with her welcoming spirit, created a comforting haven for all.

Deborah also had a sharp and curious mind, often engaging in spirited discussions about life’s challenges, politics, and the world — always leaving those conversations enriched with new perspectives. She believed in listening with empathy and speaking with wisdom.

Throughout her life, Deborah gave tirelessly to her community. She was a Girl Scout leader and “Nature Lady” at Blue Heron Girl Scout Camp, served as a representative on the Dousman Village Board, was an Auxiliary member of American Legion Post 405, and worked with Herr Corporation in Wales, where she was admired for her ability to bring order and warmth to complex situations. She also spent many years in the restaurant industry, proudly working her way up to manager at the Olympia Beach House, where she formed lasting friendships and earned the respect of colleagues and customers alike.

A devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Deborah leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and generosity. Her presence filled every room with warmth, her wisdom guided countless hearts, and her open-door policy ensured no one ever felt alone.

Her life was a beautiful symphony of faith, family, and kindness — and though she will be deeply missed, the lessons she taught and the love she shared will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

"And the last was a coat of the olden kind, With a little slit up the side. And I put it on him, and he was warm, And I smiled, and I died."— Edna St. Vincent Millay, “The Ballad of the Harp-Weaver”

Services:

• Thursday, August 7th, 2025: Viewing & visitation from 3–8 p.m. at Pagenkopf Funeral Home, 2228 Silver Maple Lane, Oconomowoc, WI 53066.

• Friday, August 8th, 2025: Final visitation at 9 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Bruno Parish, 226 W. Ottawa Ave, Dousman, WI 53118. Burial to follow at St. Bruno Cemetery.

• Saturday, August 9th, 2025: Celebration of life luncheon & gathering with food and drinks from 2–5 p.m. at Bark River Yacht Club, 136 N. Main St, Dousman, WI 53118.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Deborah’s name to the Discalced Carmelite Friars of Holy Hill, supporting The Basilica and National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians at Holy Hill, or to the Harry Chapin WhyHunger Foundation, in honor of her lifelong love of music and dedication to helping others.