The Rev. Canon Deborah Dunn, rector of St. Peter's, Santa Maria, and a former deployment officer for the Diocese of Los Angeles, died April 20 at Cottage Hospital, from complications of a stroke. She was 65 and had served as rector in Santa Maria since 2007.

Please join in prayer for Deborah's family, especially her husband, the Rev. Michael Cunningham, rector of St. Mary's, Lompoc; their daughter and son, Sarah and John Simon, and daughter-in-law, Christine, and grandchildren; Deborah's brother, the Very Rev. William Dunn, vicar of St. Stephen's, Beaumont; and his wife Sharron Hodde Dunn, their children John, Joshua and Anna; her mother, Ella Lee "Dede" Dunn; and many friends. She is pre-deceased by her Father, John Wallace Dunn and her brother, John Andrew Dunn.

Requiem Eucharist is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Friday, May 5, at St. Mary's Church, 2800 Harris Grade Road, Lompoc.

Deborah and Michael recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary and early in their common life had been active in music and theater, also serving in professional management roles. Deborah is well remembered for her singing voice, which she regularly used to enhance liturgies and homilies.

Deborah previously served as vicar of St. Thomas Church, Hacienda Heights (1999-2007), as an associate at St. Matthew's, Pacific Palisades (1995-1999), as an assistant at St. Cross, Hermosa Beach (1992-1993), and as an assistant at St. Francis, Palos Verdes Estates (1991-1992).

Deborah was ordained a priest by Bishop Frederick Borsch in 1992. She was a graduate of the General Theological Seminary and in 1976 earned a bachelor of fine arts degree from the University of Texas. She was born in Angleton, Texas, in August 1951.

Greatly loved by her parishioners, Deborah was a remarkable pastor and parish leader. She was fearless in her ministry and never stopped in her efforts to seek justice for all, reconciliation between all of God's people, and inclusion in the work of the church.

The work of the Red Shirt Project, a yearly mission trip to the village of Red Shirt Table on the Pine Ridge reservation in South Dakota, which she and Michael had done together for the past 17 years brought with it great love for her adopted family the Two Bulls, and especially The Rev. Robert Two Bulls, Sr.

Deborah was a great priest, a devoted mother, a wonderful wife and companion, and a joy to be with. She did not suffer fools gladly and was never one to shrink away from doing the right thing, regardless of who was standing in opposition to her and the cause she was fighting for. She loved the church, her family as she defined it, and her God.

Deborah and her family and parishioners had enjoyed a festive Easter celebration, after which she posted on her Facebook page: "Easter Day was glorious and there were plentiful people and music and food and flowers. And God was praised and the people were fed and now it's time to rest awhile. Thanks to all. Alleluia!"

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Red Shirt Project c/o St. Mary's Church. 2800 Harris Grade Road. Lompoc, CA 93436