Deborah Rusk Nelson, of Freeland, died on Saturday,

Jan. 21, 2006 at Enso House, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was 61.

Born on June 5, 1944 in Boston, Deborah grew up in Great Falls, Mont., the daughter of Dr. William and Alice Sullens.

As a longtime resident of the Seattle area, she earned a degree in philosophy from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and later a master’s degree in library science and a master’s degree of social work at the University of Washington. Her expertise was in mental health and alcohol and drug abuse. With her ability to confront and overcome enormous challenges with her pragmatism, she excelled in her longtime work at Group Health Hospital and Island Mental Health.

Deborah had a keen interest in and a special rapport with all forms of life, and was uniquely interested in, and at home with, the many different cultures in the numerous countries she visited. Her great love and appreciation of nature led her to the marine life of the coasts to the grand Rockies of Montana where she could study the flora and fauna while engaging in a favorite pastime, hiking with her family.

An avid and eclectic reader, Deborah was able to pursue the study of the Diamond heart approach, also known as the Ridhwan School, in the method of inquiry into the understanding and integration of the psyche and spirit; where, with her radiant presence she brought to her fellow students her down to earth honesty, perseverance and capacity to be fully and steadily present. This formed the basis of her deeply held spiritual beliefs.

Deborah’s creativity was manifested in many ways, and one of the most profound was in her love for gardening and nurturing of plant life. She “painted” with flowers by creating extensive, uniquely original gardens and landscaping at her Whidbey Island home, which she shared with her husband, Henry D. Nelson, a local sculptor.

Her dignity and lack of self pity and her compassionate and endlessly supportive manner touched many hearts in profound ways, and she will be missed by all.

Surviving her are her husband, Henry D. Nelson; her sister, Jennifer Sullens, who lives in Spain; a brother, Paul Sullens of Eureka, Mont.; step-children Michael Nelson of Albuquerque, N.M.; Jennifer Nelson of Santa Fe, N.M.; Rebecca Jonsson of Fort Collins, Colo.; sisters-in-law Indiana Nelson of Tucson, Ariz. and Wendy Nelson of Kennebunkport, Maine.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service with family and friends is planned.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Deborah Rusk Nelson Memorial Fund at Enso House, South Whidbey’s home for end-of-life care, at 6339 Wahl Road, Freeland 98249.