A Tribute to Debra Mulcahy: Library Trustee, Vice President of the Board

The following is a tribute to . It was written by Lynn Hammerlund, president of the board of trustees for the Algonquin Area Public Library. Mulcahy served as a library trustee and was the vice president of the board.

Our community lost one of its most vibrant and dedicated public servants with the passing of Debbie Mulcahy.  She not only served our library community, but also the people of Lake in the Hills, the people of her parish, those involved in youth baseball and Scouting organizations, her friends and her neighbors.  She was the best kind of public servant:  she did it because she loved to give service to others, and to make her community a better place to live.

Debbie Mulcahy was a fantastic advocate for the library.  She worked hard for the passage of our two referenda.  She was so proud of our library.  She wanted to make it the best around-and because of her effort and dedication, it is.   She was not afraid to make the tough decisions; after all, it's not easy to advocate raising taxes for your friends and neighbors.  She saw the "big picture," and was able to plan well for our community's future.   Her leadership style was inclusive and friendly, not egotistical and power-driven. 

Once you met Deb, it was impossible not to like her.  She had that warm, friendly smile and likable personality that would shine in her eyes.    She was a true woman of grace:  courageous but not brazen, focused but not blind to everything around her, energetic but not manic.  She was warm, funny, determined, responsible, and most of all, wise. She was the least obnoxious person I know who possessed that dangerous item:  pictures of her grandson.  She was a proud grandma of Connor (the genius), but she was so gracious that you enjoyed hearing all her stories.

The name of Debra Mulcahy will be on the plaque in the main library for generations to see, but it is not her only legacy.  Her best legacy will be how she touched the lives of her family, her friends, her neighbors, and her community.  We will never forget her, because she truly touched us all with her courage, grace, and servant's heart. 

On behalf of the board of trustees, the administration and staff of the Algonquin Area Public Library, we offer our deepest condolences to the Mulcahy Family.