Deborah Clarke Rifenbary

Deborah C. Rifenbary, PhD
April 26, 1950 - December 22, 2021

Deborah "Deb" Rifenbary's infectious laugh was an outward sign of her joy for life, love of her husband Vince and their shared passion investing in family and friends.

Deb looked at life as an adventure that needed to be lived. This was evidenced in her extensive travel throughout the United States and Europe. She loved snow skiing, golf and playing the piano.

Until her retirement, Dr. Rifenbary served as the Interim Dean to lead the University of New Mexico College of Education and Human Sciences. Scholastically, she earned a bachelor's degree in English from Rosemont College, a Master's in the Art of Teaching (MAT) in English from Fairleigh-Dickinson University, a Master of Education degree in Counseling and Human Development from Vanderbilt University and a Doctor of Education degree in counseling from the University of Virginia. She is also a licensed professional counselor (LPCC) in the state of New Mexico.

Early in her career Deb taught at the John F. Kennedy German American School in Berlin. Her love of Europe, its people and Christmas Markets introduced her to Austria where she co-established the Student Teachers in Austria Reach Success (STARS) program. STARS is a student teacher exchange between the UNM College of Education and Human Sciences and the Teachers College at the University of Vienna.

Deborah is survived by her husband Vince Murphy, brother Jay Rifenbary, Niece Nicole Rifenbary, Nephew Jared Rifenbary, Leeann Murphy, Kristy Murphy Townsend and her husband Wes Townsend, grandchildren Sydney and Austin. She is preceded in death by her parents George Rifenbary DDS and Dorothy Carvis Rifenbary.

Arrangements are pending and will occur through FRENCH. The family asks that in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the University of New Mexico Global Education Office Emergency Fund through the UNM Foundation https://www.unmfund.org/fund/geo-emergency-fund/ .

Photos/Links (credit: University of New Mexico):
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