Debra Illingworth Greene

Debra Illingworth Greene

August 28, 1966 - December 14, 2022

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Obituary

Madison - Debra Illingworth Greene, age 56, of Madison, passed away at home suddenly on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022, after a courageous and decades-long battle with pulmonary hypertension. She was born on Aug. 28, 1966, in Berwyn, Ill., the daughter of Monte and Deanna Illingworth.


Debra earned a degree in journalism from the University of Kansas in 1988 and married Jeffrey Greene on Oct. 6, 1990, in Shawnee, KS. She had worked as an editor and writer for various publications, most recently working as a communications manager for Evident Change.


She was very creative, a master crafter, a lover and supporter of music, and had a wonderful sense of style, both for herself and the wonderful and unique home that she and Jeff created together. Over the years she was active in various community and charitable causes, including Harvest of Hope and Savory Sunday’s Grillin’ 4 Peace fundraiser, and was a long-time editor of the Crestwood neighborhood newsletter.


Debra is survived by her husband, Jeffrey; son, Ogden (Elizabeth Schatz Cordero) Greene; daughter, Lilian (Nathaniel Kornetzke) Greene; mother and stepfather, Deanna and Hadley Stranghoner; and sister, Tamara (Illingworth) Sinkler. She was preceded in death by her father, Monte Illingworth.


A celebration of life gathering will be held at a future date to be determined later.


In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pulmonary Hypertension Association (https://phassociation.org/donate/) and Cure HHT (https://curehht.org/ways-to-donate/tribute/). Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.



Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761




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Patty Hay-Chapman
Other •
I am so saddened for your whole family, Jeff, and the many friends you and Debra gathered throughout your life together. Words fail me . She was such a joy and a light to everyone around her! ❤️ She will be sorely missed! I loved that lovely woman.
CQ
Chris Quand
Other •
Debra was the first person I met when I moved to the Crestwood neighborhood some 20 years ago. She was the neighborhood greeter and she sure loved to talk. DIG, which is what I often called her, was just so friendly and nice to everyone. Her family and our family became friends. She was a caring kind woman of many good causes always trying to help those in need. But boy could she be passionate when it came to some of those causes that fired her up .... she marched, she spoke out, she supported. So many wonderful memories with Debra .... Crestfest, the egg hunt at Eastertime in Crestwood - I think Debra was the queen of this event for so many years, 4th of July parade with Debra playing in the tow behind trailer, ... the memories are deep and strong and will stay with me forever. I love you DIG and miss you.
RF
Rebecca Furuno
Other •
There are many wonderful memories of Aunt Debra in my heart. The most memorable would probably be the fun time I had as a child when we came to your home for the 4th of July when I was about 10 years old. I still remember it fondly. Aunt Debra will be so missed.
MP
Molly Plunkett
Other •
I have so many memories of Deb as a gracious and charming resident of Crestwood, volunteering for years as editor of the newsletter and showing up at most events to take photos and make a record. A loss to us all and Jeff and Ogden and Lillian. So sorry. Molly Plunkett
KS
Kenyon Strobeck
Other •
What a lovely soul. My condolences on your loss.
DS
Daron Sinkler
Other •
Jeff, Lilian and Ogden... I am so sorry for your loss and the entire family's loss. Debbie was such an amazing and kind person and we are all better for knowing her. You two had such a special bond - and I am so sad for you all..

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