Deborah "Debbie" S. Hubbard

Deborah Sue Hubbard, "Debbie," a beloved daughter, mother, sister, and friend, passed away at the age of 74 on October 6, 2024, at her home in Sioux City, Iowa, after a courageous battle with cancer. Debbie was born on April 5, 1950, in Elmhurst, Illinois, the daughter of Irving and Frances (Sieg) Wawak. Her life was a testament to kindness, resilience, determination, community service, and compassion—a true angel on earth.

Debbie grew up in Villa Park, Illinois, and graduated from Willowbrook High School in 1968. After high school, she attended Western Illinois University, where she received a dual Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary and Special Education.

She began her career at two nonprofit organizations in Illinois, serving those with special needs. Following moves to Seattle, San Francisco, Dubuque, and finally putting down roots in Sioux City, where her two children, Kim and Jason, were raised, she dedicated her life to improving the quality of life for others through her work in the nonprofit field. She became the first Executive Director of the Siouxland Community Foundation from 1990 to 2014, creating grants and scholarships that touched countless lives in Siouxland. Before formally retiring, she worked from 2014 to 2018 at the Food Bank of Siouxland. Her legacy and impact on the community will live on forever.

Beyond her career, Debbie was very active in the Siouxland community, serving on the Junior Women, Junior League of Sioux City, Comprehensive Strategy, Siouxland Chapter of the National Council on Youth Leadership, Jackson Recovery Center/Women & Children’s Center Auxiliary, and the Sioux City Mayor’s Youth Commission. She was also a volunteer with many school and sports activities involving her children. She received the Junior League’s Dorothy Eaton Palmer Award and the Rotary Club’s Service Above Self Award for being a steward and role model in the community.

Professionally, she served on the boards of the Iowa Council of Foundations, Leave A Legacy Iowa, Leave A Legacy Siouxland, the National Society of Fund Raising Professionals, the Siouxland Estate Planning Council, and the Planned Giving Council.

Debbie leaves behind a loving family and friends who will forever cherish her memory. She was a vibrant woman with a gentle soul and a smile that would light up any room. Words truly cannot do Debbie justice. Survivors include her daughter Kimberly (David) Hubbard-Hernandez of San Francisco, CA; her son Jason Hubbard of St. Louis, MO; her brother Gary (Candace) Wawak of Delavan, WI; and her sister-in-law Tracy Tweed of Fort Wayne, IN. Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, Irving and Fran Wawak, and her grandparents.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel is assisting with arrangements.

Memorial gifts may be sent to the Food Bank of Siouxland or the June E. Nylen Cancer Center.