Debra Healy Deem

Debra Healy Deem
Debra Healy Deem, 58 of Laguna Beach passed away on August 28th after succumbing to injuries received in a tragic bike accident on August 27th 2013. Debra was born in St. Paul, Minnesota and grew up in Southern California. She received her BA, Magna Cum Laude at California State Polytechnic of Pomona and JD from Loyola Law School. She practiced Business Law at Buchalter Nemer LLP.
Debra was selected a Southern California Super Lawyer in 2004 and 2007. She had a strong commitment to Pro Bono work and community support, and was a member of the Public Law Center Board of Directors. Public Law Center is Orange County’s pro bono law firm, providing access to justice for Orange County’s low-income residents. Debra is a past PLC Volunteers for Justice Dinner Co-Chair. She also served as a director of the Building Block Foundation, supporting at-risk youth throughout Orange County. During her tenure in the Buchalter Nemer Los Angeles office, Ms. Deem served as Chair of the Executive Committee of the Remedies Section of the Los Angeles County Bar.
Debra was an avid bicyclist, an enthusiastic gardener, and a passionate cook. With these and many other interests she lovingly touched the lives of all who knew her. Recently retired as a Senior Partner of Buchalter Nemer law firm of Newport Beach, Debra had just embarked on a new career as director of a new nonprofit organization to advocate for battered women in Orange County. She will be deeply missed and her memory will be cherished for her generosity, compassion and vibrant spirit.
Debra passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends. Survivors include her husband, Paul Deem, her stepchildren Paul and Seth Deem, and numerous friends and extended family. She was the beloved daughter of Berenice Solle of Laguna Woods, and the late David Solle and the adored sister of Nancy Zeff (Gary) of Boulder, Colorado and Mark Solle (Sue), of Los Altos Hills, California. She was the devoted aunt of Jason Solle of Brooklyn, NY and Justin Solle of Boston, MA.
A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parima Parineh Foundation in Laguna Beach.