Deborah Riccio

MADISON
Deborah Hall Riccio, age 71, of Madison passed away on Friday, July 6, 2018. She was born on May 23, 1947 in Madison, WI, the daughter of Ralph and Kathleen (Kilgore) Hall. She attended Wisconsin High and graduated from Central High School. Following high school Deborah attended Indiana University, where she was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority, and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in art history. Her interest in art history led her to take a trip to Italy which was a highlight from that time in her life.

For many years Deborah dedicated her time to raising her daughters. She was an amazing role model showing strength, compassion and patience. Deborah loved gardening, music, sewing and traveling. She looked forward to annual trips with family "Up North" and "Down South". Her family has been going to Three Lakes in northern Wisconsin since her mother was a little girl to spend time at a cabin on the lake. Visiting relatives on her father's side in Kentucky and Tennessee was a tradition she enjoyed sharing with her mother and daughters. Deborah was an avid gardener and collector of indoor plants, especially african violets. She was an animal lover her entire life and had many rescued pets. When her daughter, Julia, begged her to enter a contest to win a horse, she couldn't say no, and much to her surprise she ended up winning the horse!

After her first grandchild was born in 2001, Deborah became known to her family as Nona. She loved spending time with her family and grandchildren and looked forward to their many get togethers celebrating birthdays, holidays or just because.

Deborah is survived by her two daughters, Liza (Matt) Thomas and Julia (Brent) Voeck, a brother, Stephan Hall, and grandchildren, Isabella, Charlie, Henry and Eleanor. She was preceded in death by her mother, Kathleen, and father, Ralph.

Deborah lived life with a positive attitude which was admired by all that knew her.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at Forest Hill Cemetery, 1 Speedway Rd. Madison. Guests should arrive at the cemetery entrance to join the procession to graveside.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Humane Society of the United States Disaster Relief Fund or Henry Vilas Zoo.
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."

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Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road Madison
(608) 238-3434