SPRINGFIELD, IL – Deborah K. Leahy, 68, passed away Wednesday, July 21, 2021, at her home.

She was born November 8, 1952, to Darrel and Joann (Roth) Dugger. She married Timothy F. Leahy on April 14, 1973. They resided in Edinburg until his passing in 2009. She also was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Susan M. (Kerry) Jones of El Dorado Springs, Missouri.

Deborah was a claims processor for BlueCross BlueShield, Horace Mann and The Franklin. She was a member of Master Gardeners Christian County, volunteered at the Christian County Historical Society and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, and was a University of Illinois Springfield alum. She was an avid reader and studied Irish Literature for a summer course at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. She also loved gardening and watching cooking shows.

She is survived by her daughter, Patricia A. (Jason) Szydlowski of Port Charlotte, Florida; grandson, Eric Szydlowski of Reedsburg, Wisconsin; step-children, George Leahy and Penny Hozey and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, August 21, 2021, at the VFW 10302, 2349 Stockyard Road, Springfield.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: American Heart Association.