Deborah “Debbie” Laughlin Moss

It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Deborah “Debbie” Laughlin Moss, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Debbie passed away on December 15, 2024, at her home in Salt Lake City, Utah, due to an unexpected cardiac event.

Born on December 29, 1954, in Washington, D.C., to Henry and Marion Laughlin, Debbie was the youngest of five children. She spent her early years in Chevy Chase, Maryland before moving to Mount Aire, Maryland where she spent the remainder of her childhood on “Seven Springs Farm”. It was here she developed a deep connection to the outdoors and a lifelong love for animals. Surrounded by horses, Debbie grew to become an accomplished equestrian, a passion that brought her great joy throughout her life. She spent many years at Camp Waredaca in Laytonsville, Maryland, first as a camper and later as a counselor, creating some of her earliest and most cherished memories. It was there that she met her first husband, Steve Mayer. Though their marriage later ended in divorce, the experience remained an important chapter in her life. Debbie attended Hannah More Academy for her primary and secondary education and the University of Maryland, College of Nursing where she developed many lifelong friends.

Having spent her early adult years in California, New York, and Maryland, Debbie always dreamed of having a family. Her daughters, Karen and Suzanne, were born while she was living in Frederick, Maryland, and she poured her heart into raising them. Her love of skiing and the outdoors ultimately brought her to Utah, where she found her true home. It was during a bike ride organized by the Wasatch Mountain Club that she met the love of her life, Lee Moss. Together, they built a life centered on love, family, and adventure.

Debbie dedicated her life to service, compassion, and education. A Registered Nurse (RN) for nearly 50 years, she earned her BSN, MSN, and MHA degrees, completing her master’s studies later in life. Throughout her long and distinguished career, Debbie worked in many areas of nursing, including pediatrics, psychiatry, burn and wound care as well as at the Utah Poison Control Center. She ultimately found her true calling as a nursing instructor at Salt Lake Community College where she worked until her retirement. She was deeply passionate about improving lives through healthcare and empowering the next generation of nurses.

An accomplished athlete, Debbie was an avid runner who completed countless marathons and ultramarathons, including two Boston Marathon finishes and an incredible eight 100-mile races. Her determination and resilience inspired all who knew her. Whether skiing in the Utah mountains, running, or cooking for her loved ones (her pies were legendary), Debbie found joy in simple moments and outdoor adventures.

Debbie’s spirit will live on in her family and friends. She is survived by her devoted husband, Lee Moss; daughters Karen Fischer (Charley) and Suzanne Vyvoda (Michael); and her cherished grandchildren: Emily Fischer, Henry Fischer, and Sophie Vyvoda. She also leaves behind her two sisters, Connie and Barbara, her two brothers, John and Robert, and many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

Debbie was preceded in death by her loving parents, Henry and Marion Laughlin. She believed she would reunite with them and her beloved animals in heaven, where peace and love would surround her.

A celebration of Debbie’s life will be held in the near future. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Heart Association or a charity of your choice, honoring Debbie’s legacy of care, kindness, and generosity.

Debbie’s love, light, and laughter will be deeply missed but forever carried in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know her.