Deborah Lynn Chen (née Carlson), age 81, died on September 17, 2025, in Athens, Georgia. Born on February 3, 1944, in Warren, Minnesota, she lived a life marked by insightfulness, intelligence, curiosity, and fierce independence.
Deborah was the daughter of Audrey and Reuben Carlson and the sister of Peter Carlson, all of whom preceded her in death. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Her professional career included service at the Department of Defense.
Deborah was deeply engaged in artistic pursuits. She expressed herself primarily through quilting, creating pieces that combined craftsmanship with personal meaning. Her quilts were not only creative works but also heartfelt gifts that reflected her care for others.
Throughout her life, Deborah lived in many parts of the United States and spent several years in South Africa. Her time abroad was especially meaningful, as it was there that she formed lasting friendships that remained close to her heart.
Left to mourn her passing are her son Martin Chen; her daughter Emily Chen-Bendle; son-in-law Neil Bendle; and granddaughters Maura Bendle, Pippa Bendle, and Pearl Lynn Chen. As a grandmother, Deborah was more than a presence—she was a constant source of love and support. She was not only their buddy but also their cheerleader and champion. Her granddaughters delighted in her company as much as she delighted in theirs. They felt every bit of her unconditional love—a love that shaped their lives profoundly. She gave so much of herself to her family and her granddaughters and will be deeply missed.
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