Deborah Norton Flynn, beloved wife, mother, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on June 28, 2025. She was 68 years old.
Born on September 6, 1956, in Dearborn, Michigan, to Marilyn and Daniel J. Norton, Debbie carried her Midwestern warmth and compassion throughout her life. Growing up, she spent most of her summers and many holidays with her parents’ families in Ontonagon, Michigan. Debbie considered herself a Yooper at heart and delighted in telling stories of bonfires on the beach and winter snow piled higher than the mailboxes.
A devoted wife to William Flynn, a cherished mother to Patrick, Michael, and John Flynn, and loving sister to Daniel L. Norton, Debbie found her greatest joy in raising her three sons. She nurtured them not only with love, but also with her unforgettable cooking and the values she held dear—kindness, curiosity, and family above all.
Debbie’s generous spirit extended far. She had a gift for making everyone feel welcomed and cared for, whether through a homemade meal, a heartfelt conversation, a game of bridge, or a thoughtful gesture. A generous host, she enjoyed welcoming friends and family into her home, especially around the holidays. Debbie was also a passionate traveler, drawn especially to the places that meant the most to her: the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, the ancestral beauty of Ireland, the culture and charm of France, and the peaceful shores of Grand Cayman.
Her life was a tapestry of love, laughter, and rich memories that will forever be treasured by those who knew her.
Debbie is survived by her husband, her three sons, her brother and a wide circle of extended family and friends who will miss her deeply. She was preceded in death by her parents.
A memorial gathering to celebrate Deborah’s life will be held on Wednesday July 9, 2025 at Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home in Mequon beginning at 10:00am, with brief remarks at 11:30am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her honor to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, in the spirit of Deborah’s lifelong generosity and commitment to families and children.