Deborah Ann Long Miyazaki
March 3, 1953 - April 18, 2009
Deborah Ann Long Miyazaki
1953 – 2009
After years and years of suffering, Deborah Ann Long Miyazaki passed to what we believe to be a better place. She died April 18th, 2009. She was born March 3rd, 1953 to Dr. Robert and Evelyn Long at Ft. Ord, California. A graduate of Skyline HS, Debbie earned her 1st Degree from Westminster College of Salt Lake. She returned a few years later and earned a 2nd Degree at Westminster College of Nursing. She continued her education and earned her Master’s Degree from the Univ. of Utah in 1994. She married Arthur Miyazaki in October of 1980 and had one son, Arthur Robert Tomonobu Miyazaki, who was truly the love of her life. Nursing was Debbie’s passion in life and was the career in which she followed in her mother’s footsteps. Starting as an ICU nurse at St. Mark’s, Debbie rose through the ranks and became the Nurse Recruiter for the Univ. of Utah. She was appointed to the Board of Nursing by the Governor and she had an internship at the Utah Nurses Association where she enjoyed learning the policy of nursing and how it impacted nurses. She was an adjunct professor of Nursing at Westminster College. The family was very proud of her accomplishments in the field of nursing. Debbie lived dually in Salt Lake and San Diego, CA. She loved her 2nd home near the beach. She loved listening to the waves and basking in the southern California sun. She is survived by her devoted husband, Arthur; loving son Arthur Jr.; brother Stuart (Betty); and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents. A special thank you to Dr. Lynn Webster and Dr. Keri Fakata. A viewing will be held on Friday, April 24th from 6 to 8 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, April 25th at 11:00 AM at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 3015 E. Creek Rd. Friends may call before mass from 9:30 to 10:30 AM. Committal service will be held at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 4th Ave. and “T” Street. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Deborah Ann Long Miyazaki Nursing Scholarship at Westminster College.
In Loving Memory
I am sorry for the loss of this wonderful wife, mother, and nurse. Deb was a kind, gentle person and she will be missed. I had the privilege of working with Deb at BCBS and I will remember the many kind things she did for me and others. One that stands out is that she lent me her maternity clothes that she had used for Little Arthur---and for those months, I was one of the best dressed employees in the office! Regards: Denise Love and Family
Denise Love
Salt Lake City, Ut
Upon opening this morning's paper and seeing a beautiful & familiar face - Debbie was perfect and a 'golden girl'. I remember Debbie years ago when she and Art were first dating and we went on boating trips to Lake Powell - what struck me about her was her deep love for Art and her devotion. What an accomplished and remarkable woman she has become! My deepest sympathy and prayers be with you and your family - Jyll Bucher Sweet
Jyll Bucher Sweet
Salt Lake City, Ut
Art, We were so sorry to hear about the passing of your incredible wife, Debbie. We'll be in California for the next week, but we'll be thinking of you and Art Jr. Best wishes Gary and Gayle Banks
Gary and Gayle Banks
Eden, Ut
I am sorry to hear of Debbie's passing. Sadly we haven't kept in touch. I remember traveling with her and how badly she missed her "guys" and how she had to be in her room at a certain time to call you every night. May you find peace and comfort knowing that she is in a better place.
Sue Frampton
Salt Lake City, Ut
Arthur, We are so sorry to hear of Debbie's passing. You are Arthur are very lucky to have had such a wonderful wife and mother in your lives. We will be in Denver for the weekend watching Mandie but wanted to let you know our thoughts and prayers are with you both. Ron, Kelli and Mandie Divino
Ron, Kelli & Mandie Divino
Sandy, Ut
I have had the privilege of having Debbie as a friend for the past 18-years and my heart is heavy at the news of her passing. Arthur Jr.... I have tracked your progress since you were 8-years old. Throughout our many, many conversations, your Mom always told me about your progress in life. I spoke with her a few weeks ago, and as was typical she told me how proud she is of you. So we are left to sort out life without Deb's wisdon, fun spirit and most of all her love. Heaven is much richer. My thoughts and prayers are Arthur and Arthur Jr. Best Regards, Julie Hoepfner
Julie Hoepfner
Centerville, UT
Dear Arthur and Arthur Jr. We haven't kept in touch much since the kids have grown up, but we wanted to let you both know how sorry we are to hear about Debbie. She was a wonderful person, and we know she will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you both. LaMar and Debbie Drollinger
LaMar and Debbie Drollinger
Salt Lake City, Ut
Art My condolences to you and your family. When I saw Debra's picture it brought back a flood o memories from our days at Westminster. I 'm hoping you will remember the good days you had together and I will keep her in my prayers. Yours, Stan Finn
stanley finn
salt lake, ut
Arthur My thoughts and prayers are with you and Arthur jr on this most sorrowful of days. Ray Liddell and Family
Ray Liddell
sl, ut
Dear Arthur and "Little" Arthur, I was so sorry to read about Debbie's death in the Salt Lake Tribune. As a neighbor and friend, it was my priviledge and pleasure to know Debbie and enjoy her company at our ladies' book club meetings and occasional luncheons. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jackie Breslawski & Family
Jackie Breslawski
Sandy, Ut
Arthur, we just learned about the passing of your wonderful, dear wife. We have felt so privileged to know your family and have fond memories of what great friends you are. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your son, during this very challenging time. We are better people for the blessing of having Debbie, Arthur and You in our life's. May the power of Heaven bless you. Scott, Linda Howell Family.. p.s. Jason sends his reagrds to his friend Arthur and rembers his great buddy in Scouts...
Scott&Linda Howell Family
Salt Lake City, Ut
Art and Art Jr., our thoughts and prayers are with you both. Debbie is now at peace, I know she suffered for many years. I will always cherish our memories. Terry , Michele, Bryce, and Jace
Terry Callahan
Salt Lake City, Ut
Dear Arthur and AJ, We were stunned to hear of Debbie's passing. We were so happy to have met her and remember her as kind and gentle. please accept our deepest condolences, our thought are with you. With much love, Joan, Jeff, Nathan, and Andy. Naomi and Lynn also send their love.
Joan, Jeff, Nathan, Andy Miyazaki-Levinton
Stony Brook, ny
Arthur, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My mom told me the other, day and I immediately thought of the times I spent at your house and how wonderful and kind your mother always was to me. I wish you and your dad the best throughout these times, and I hope you know that you're in my thoughts.
Mika Vale
nan, nan
Dear Arthur It was just a horrible feeling to learn of Debbie's passing. What a talented, kind, compassionate, fun person she was. Meeting you and Debbie on our cruise together was the most memorable time and together with Fred and Karen, the six of us had lots of fun together and sometimes Karen, Debbie and I would sit together and just have our chats and it was great. She will be very missed, she was an amazing person - kind and wise. We hope you and your son will both be OK and thoughts are with you.
Anna and Vince Lombardo
Sydney, Australia, nan