From Gail McEachron:  

Sadly, Debbie Patrick’s life was cut short in 1976 as a result of lymphoma. It was a privilege to have been able to share a close friendship of four years during which we traveled to Europe as part of a semester-long study abroad program for about 25 educators from Arizona State University. During that time Debbie lived life to the fullest. She was so much fun to be with and she helped everyone navigate Paris because she was fluent in French. The French didn’t like Americans in 1972 so it helped tremendously! When we returned to the US after an immersion in British schools and visits to about seven European countries, including what was East Germany at the time, Debbie became a teacher of students with special needs. She was very dedicated as a first year teacher to the students who had intellectual disabilities and emotional challenges. Patience was one of her many strengths and her students loved her. It makes me sad all over again to think of her final days and how hard she fought but I try to remember her wonderful spirit and think about the many lives she touched. She had the greatest laugh!