Deborah Marie "Debbie" Laflamme

Apr 5, 1972 -

Sep 5, 2023

Deborah Marie (Taylor) Laflamme was born on April 5, 1972, to Janet (Reid) (Taylor) McGurgan and Charles Russell Taylor III in Anchorage, Alaska. She was raised in Eagle River, Alaska, by her mother and stepfather Francis McGurgan. She attended Chugiak High School, where she ran track and graduated in 1990. Debbie attended college at University of Alaska Anchorage and graduated in 1997 with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and public communications with an emphasis in public relations and advertising.

Debbie married Michel Laflamme in 1999. They would go on to adopt three children: Erich, Haydin and Ryan. Her children were her greatest love and success, and adoption and fostering children became close to her heart. In 2016, she welcomed into her family her partner, Ivy Lannet.

In college, Debbie worked at Red Robin and met many lifelong friends. In her professional life, Debbie worked at Kirsten Dixon Lodge, Nerland Agency and Central Lutheran Church. One of her proudest accomplishments was as an entrepreneur as co-founder of the Clothesline Consignment in 2005. She owned and managed the business until 2016. After, she found her new home with the Alaska Center for Resource Families and quickly created a close-knit relationship with her co-workers.

Debbie cherished and loved each of her friends and made a special effort through birthdays and surprise gifts to recognize them. Her sense of humor will be most remembered, as she could be both silly and sarcastic. Debbie had a tenacity and integrity in belief of what was right that guided her professional and personal life. She had a willingness to help others in all aspects of her life. She especially loved connecting with children and found her joy and light-heartedness in them. Debbie's favorite pastimes were laying on the beach, soaking up the sun, playing games, costume parties and thrift store shopping. She also ran for many years and tried any new sport or hobby at least once.

Debbie succumbed to breast cancer on Sept. 5, 2023, after a brave battle of 11 months. She spent her final weeks surrounded by family and friends, sharing love and memories. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sept. 29, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. at The Bridge, 221 West Ship Creek Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501.

Debbie is preceded in death by her son, Erich Laflamme, in January 2023. She is survived by her partner and soulmate, Ivy Lannet; former husband, Michel Laflamme; children, Haydin Laflamme and Ryan Laflamme; parents, Janet McGurgan and Francis McGurgan; and sister and family, Lisa Taylor, Mike Talbot, Jack Talbot and Kate Talbot.