Debra Ann Swaer died Nov. 26, 2014, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Deb was born in Hastings, Neb., Dec. 15, 1954, to Raymond and Wilma Engelhardt.

She eventually landed on Whidbey Island in Washington state, where she established a life full of friends and cohorts. She met and married her soulmate, Scott Swaer, who survives her at their Admirals Cove home.

She is also survived by her parents, Raymond Engelhardt, of Greeley, Colo., and Wilma Krebsbach, of Lawrence, Neb.; her brother, William Engelhardt, of Wichita, Kan.; her sister, Rebecca Engelhardt of Alma, Neb.; and her beloved two nephews and three nieces.

Deb was a super secretary/legal assistant who worked for Coupeville attorneys Molly and Joan McPherson from 1986 to this year, 2014, a span of 28 years.

She was loyal, strong and positive in her professional life and fought her private war against cancer with the same strong characteristics.

Deb loved gardening, salmon fishing, cats and dogs, and little kids. She was loved by all and will be profoundly missed.

Visitation held 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, at Burley Funeral Chapel in Oak Harbor.