Deborah Elaine Molnar

Deborah Molnar, a retired hospice nurse beloved to so many, passed away at her home on September 12, 2024, surrounded by family and friends, including her two sisters, husband of ten years, and best friends. She was 71.

Debbie was a beautifully independent woman, with an amazing capacity to delight others. She brought joy and beauty to everything she touched. Her interests were numerous. She and her husband Geoffrey Hornby traveled extensively, exploring exotic and historic cities throughout the world, often stopping to visit friends.

For 35 years, Debbie lived the same home, an old Spanish style adobe with multiple gardens and gurgling fountains. Inside, she created magical spaces with twinkling lights, candles and crystals. She loved African drums, Tibetan bowls, music, theater, movies and flowering arranging. She had a swimming group called the mermaids, was a member of the Santa Barbara Assistance League, several book clubs, and the flower arranging committee at Trinity Episcopal Church.

And of course, she loved her dogs, mostly Golden retrievers and Labradors, starting with Hercules. When she and Geoff began dating 25 years ago, Debbie had to rearrange her schedule so she could accompany Geoff on his crack-of-dawn beach walks with the dogs. Two survive her: Buddy Holly and a six-year-old chihuahua named Sammy who thinks she is a Golden Retriever as well.

Born and raised in Michigan, Debbie was of Czech descent. After receiving a degree in Nursing from Saginaw Valley State University in Saginaw County, Michigan, she began her nursing career at local hospital and later moved to Boston. Ultimately, she made her way to California and Santa Barbara, where she joined the staff of the Visiting Nurse Association. (VNA). It was a job to which she was well suited. In her 16 years at VNA, she helped so many people, rich and poor, through their last days. She worked at Sarah House for years as well, providing care and support to the House’s dying residents.

Debbie was the middle child of five, born to Simon and Josephine Molnar. Her brothers, Gary and Doug, and sisters Nancy and Patty live variously in Florida, Michigan, Tennessee and California. She was “Aunt Deb,” to her nieces and nephews, and was much loved by Geoff’s children Matthew and Louise as well as their four children, and her dear friend Gary Baxter who became a family member, living an accessory dwelling unit on their property.

The family is deeply grateful to all the physicians, nurses, caregivers and clergy whose care and support were instrumental throughout her treatment as her Leukemia (CLL) progressed unexpectedly this summer.

We will never forget Debbie’s trademark sparkle, giggle and capacity for fun. Neither will we fail to cherish the caring concern she showed for her friends. She made the world a better place. We will miss her terribly.

A memorial service will be held for Deb on Thursday, December 5th , at 2 pm, at Trinity Episcopal Church; 1600 State Street, Santa Barbara.