Jun. 4, 2014:  Deborah Marie Rankin, born August 17, 1943, passed away at home on April 10, 2014, one week after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. She was 70 years old.

Born in New York City, Debby was a journalist. She began her career at the Associated Press, covered the 1968 riots during the Democratic National Convention, and was the first woman to write for AP's business section.

After taking a job at Consumer Reports, she was awarded a Bagehot Fellowship at Columbia University while earning her master's degree. Specializing in personal finance, she became a columnist for the New York Times and, in 1996, authored a book called Investing on Your Own.

For those who knew her, Debby's decade of retirement helped redefine the word. She filled her days volunteering for the Reed College Women's Committee, Potluck in the Park, SHIBA, and the SMART program. She spearheaded a book club, practiced the viola and violin, swam regularly, played tennis, studied Italian, and even became a master gardener and recycler.

Whether living in Bronxville, Monterey (MA), Santa Barbara, or Portland, where her family settled in 1992, Debby made (and kept) friends. Nothing brought her more joy than being outdoors with loved ones.

The day before her death, she gazed out at the sunshine and then turned to her family. "Promise me," she said, "that we'll go out there one more time." And we did. She was a real mensch.

She is survived by her husband, Lawrence Heald; sons, David and Michael Heald; sister, Carol Rankin; mother, Ruth Rankin; and corgi, Angus. In lieu of a funeral, a midsummer celebration is in the works.

Published in the Oregonian from April 20 to April 23, 2014.