Deborah Marie Josephson, 73, of Duluth, passed away peacefully at home on January 22, 2026 surrounded by her family.

Deborah was born on May 11, 1952 in Austin, MN and was raised in Hoyt Lakes, MN by her parents, Alan and Muriel Josephson. She graduated from Aurora-Hoyt Lakes High School in 1970 and from the University of MN- Duluth in 1974. While growing up, she worked at the family businesses of the beach stand, popcorn wagon, Dairy Bar, and Hoyt Lakes Golf Course, which instilled in her a strong work ethic. In college, she played volleyball and softball, and was one of the 1510 Girls who remained some of her best friends. She moved to Kentucky where she met Gary, and they moved back to MN where they married and raised their family in Aurora.

Deborah was a huge MN Twins fan watching most games and visiting Target Field throughout the summers. She enjoyed walking at Park Point, attending Bayfront Blues Festival, boating, reading, dining out, and traveling. She adored her family and was very proud of her career as a social worker and supervisor with St. Louis County. Her favorite job was working in child protection intake in Virginia, MN where she gained many life-long friends. She helped bring various services and programs to the County and was a go-getter. She retired in 2009 and moved to Ashland, OR where she had her own business in Brain Wave Optimization until 2014. She moved back to Duluth and continued a business in the same field. Once Deborah became a grandma, that became her greatest joy in life. She helped raise her grandkids and was a very loving Grammy. The kids will remember their fun dance parties, chocolate chip cookies, and peanut M&M’s. She was a bright light who lived life to the fullest. She was outgoing and very social, making friends everywhere she went. Her neighbors and friends became family. Her beautiful smile, generous nature, sense of humor, and optimism will be remembered. Whether you knew her as Deb, Debbi, or Deborah, a hug and a cold beer or glass of wine were waiting.

Deborah is survived by her children: Liana and Fred Seuvaai of Duluth, MN; Ian and Molly McDonald of Plainview, MN; grandchildren: Penelope, Ivy, Roman, Isaac, and Percy; sisters and brothers-in-law: Rebecca and Richard Maly of Meadowlands, MN; Susan and Lewis Rickert of Duluth, MN; Pamela Josephson of Hermantown, MN; and Janet Fleischer of Bloomington, MN; sisters-in-law: Eunice Josephson, Margaret Josephson, and Paula Myers; nieces and nephews: JoLyn Maly, Scott (Beth) Maly, Mark (Traci) Maly, Kim (Adam) Geldart, Amanda (Jim) Daniels, Alan (Junal) Josephson, Rick (Cici) Rickert, Natalie (Zach) Trieschmann, Julia Rickert, Mike (Paula) Josephson, Andrea (Michael) Cossitt, Kristin (Jamey) Whatton, Nicole (Miguel) Navarrete, Gina Myers, and Amanda Myers; many beloved great nieces and nephews; and family friend: Kathleen Jakse. Deborah was preceded in death by her parents: Alan and Muriel Josephson, brother: Michael Josephson, ex-husband: Gary McDonald, and mother-in-law: Elizabeth Jones.

The family would like to thank the Aspirus St. Luke’s Hospice team, Cornerstone Caregiving, and the many friends and family who gave their care, love, and support.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 2:00 PM at the Cremation Society of Minnesota, 4100 Grand Ave, Duluth, MN. A gathering for friends and family will be held from 1:00 PM until the service.