Deborah Jean Janka

Deborah “Debe” Jean Janka of Thousand Oaks, California, passed away on Sunday, August 16th, at the age of 73, after a 6-year battle with ALS. Debe’s incredible strength, deep spirituality, gracious hospitality, and natural eye for design will forever be cherished by

those who knew and loved her.

Debe was born on March 9th, 1953, in Denver, Colorado, to Zdenka and Roland Martens, and was raised with her older siblings, James and Marilyn Martens in Arvada, Colorado. Debe’s lifelong love of music, gardening, baking, and the art of textiles was fostered early,

particularly on frequent trips to Granny’s farm in Canada.

Debe was a firm believer in the power of visualization and positive thinking. This approach helped her accomplish many of her goals, including finishing the Palos Verde Marathon. It also led to her landing a job in the registrar’s office at UCLA Law School, where she quickly worked her way up to become Registrar, made lifelong friends, and met the future father of her two daughters.

Debe shone brightly as a mother – crafting lullaby medleys, sewing homemade Halloween costumes, and cooking countless beautiful meals for her family. She was always cheering loud and proud at soccer games, volleyball matches, and track meets, no matter the score or race time. Debe taught her daughters how to love the storm as much as the sunshine.

Debe always found great delight in small pleasures: the perfect cup of coffee, a fresh-from-frozen croissant from Williams-Sonoma, time spent watching and listening to the quails that would visit her garden, a conversation with a friend, or a game (or three) of Yahtzee.

Debe never let her ALS diagnosis dull her spirit or her connection with those she loved. She adored her caregivers, nurses, and therapists, kept up with her family and friends, made everyone around her feel seen, and led with a love that could not be dimmed.

Debe is predeceased by her parents Zdenka and Roland Martens.

Debe is survived by her daughters Nicole Janka and Alexis Janka, her siblings James Martens and Mahri Martens-Tomas, as well as many other beloved family members and friends.

The details for Debe’s Celebration of Life are still being finalized but are sure to include wearing bright colors and singing karaoke to honor Debe’s spirit. To express interest in participating, please reach out via email to [email protected] with your name and the names of any other interested individuals, along with everyone’s email and mailing addresses for further information.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Debe’s memory to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.