Deborah Lee Harrison (née McIlhinney), aged 64, passed away on October 17, 2021, peacefully at her home in Doylestown, PA. Born February 17, 1957 in Philadelphia, Deborah was the “Lucky Seventh” child and first daughter to the late John J. and Adelene (DeLarso) McIlhinney. Deborah was the loving and devoted wife of the late Peter N. Harrison, Esq. and is survived by her children, Marguerite (Blair) Westbrook; Andrew (Tina), D. Ashlee, and Pier Harrison, her grandsons Alexander, Zachary, and Benjamin, and beloved dogs Chandler and Frida-Lucy. She was the sister of 8 siblings and Aunt to her many nieces and nephews.
Growing up in Upper Southampton and Doylestown, she loved swimming, drawing, painting, horseback riding, and going to “the pool”. She was a 1975 graduate of Melrose Academy, and attended University of Arizona and The College of New Rochelle. Debbie took after her father as an opinionated and outspoken member of the Bucks County community.
She spent the majority of her adult life in Central Bucks as a proud and active resident of Pipersville, then Doylestown, Townships, where she and Peter raised their family. She was an avid golfer and lifelong member of Doylestown Country Club where she held court as a regular fixture telling gregarious stories late into the night. Debbie was one-of-a-kind. She loved a good debate and captivated many with her wit and bold personality in the process. As a member of the Board of Realtors, Deborah proudly worked with her father in the family real estate business prior to immersing herself in local politics.
Her passion was politics. Known affectionately far and wide as “Aunt Debbie,” she was passionate and dedicated to preserving American democracy at the grassroots level. Aunt Debbie served locally as her township’s Bucks County Republican Committee Woman, President of the Palisades Republican Club, and was elected Executive to the Pennsylvania Republican State Committee. A savant of political campaign signs, her tenacity helped win innumerable races on local, state and national levels. Her integrity and dedication earned her numerous campaign committee positions, most notably as long-standing campaign committee chairman for Sheriff Edward “Duke” Donnelly, as well as the confidence of the Bucks County constituency in electing her Jury Commissioner.
Debbie was a devoted mother, wife, homemaker, family member and friend. She often placed the needs of others before her own, and leaves behind a legacy of undying hope and prayers that all wounds would heal with growth. She never counted anyone out and would make the time to befriend anyone who sincerely sought her company. Debbie was very proud of her children, and instilled her unwavering values and unconditional love in them. She was madly in love with her husband and took care of him until the end of his life. Heartbroken at his passing, we find solace to know she is reunited with him in heaven.
A devout Catholic who adored the Blessed Mother, Deborah’s Funeral Mass was celebrated at 11:00am on Tuesday October 26, 2021 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Doylestown, PA. Interment took place in Doylestown Cemetery.
To send condolences to the family, please visit the funeral home website below.
Shelly Funeral Home, Warrington
www.shellyfuneralhomes.com
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