Deborah comes from a family of artists. Her mother and grandmother were accomplished watercolorists. On the paternal side she is related to artists William Starbuck Macy, Wendell Macy and William Ferdinand Macy.

Many of Deborah's paintings are figurative. She prefers to work with local models in New Bedford settings using locally-sourced vintage clothing.

Deborah was born in New Bedford. She lives with her husband around the corner from the nineteenth century sea captain's house in which she was raised. She has two children and three step-children.