Deborah Lynn Mackinlay

Deborah Lynn Perrill MacKinlay was born in Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio, on September 21, 1944, to Howard Scott Perrill and Frances Louise Booco. Both of her parents came from multigenerational families of settlers who farmed in and around Jeffersonville, Fayette County, Ohio. Debbie was proud of her Ohio roots and the heritage of the families who came before her.

Debbie began her elementary education at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where her father was stationed in the Marine Corps during World War II. Following the war, she and her siblings moved with their parents to Takoma Park, Maryland; LaGrange, Illinois; and Scarsdale, New York. Debbie graduated from Eastchester High School in New York in 1962.

She then entered the School of Nursing at Duke University, where she met James Kent MacKinlay. They married on September 1, 1964, beginning a marriage that lasted 62 years. Kent graduated from Duke University School of Law earlier that year. Following their marriage, the couple moved to Toronto, Ontario; Winnipeg, Manitoba; and St. Bruno, Quebec, as Kent, then a Canadian citizen, began his business career. During their years in Canada, Debbie continued her education and graduated from York University in Toronto with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

While living in Toronto, Debbie joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her faith became an important and enduring part of her life. She remained a faithful member throughout the years and willingly served in a variety of leadership and service positions. Her devotion to her faith was expressed not only through church service, but also through the love, compassion, and service she extended to those around her.

Kent and Debbie were blessed with five children: Shauna (Mrs. Aaron) Hamman, Jay (Katina), Julie (Mr. Jon) Krainock, Ginny (Mrs. Billy) Johnson, and Dan (Kristen). Their family continued to grow, and they were blessed with 19 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Family was at the center of Debbie’s life. She devoted herself to raising her children while also serving actively in her church and community. Yet she never abandoned a long-held personal goal. In 1992, despite the demands of raising five children and her many church responsibilities, Debbie fulfilled her dream of obtaining a nursing education at Scottsdale Community College. Her perseverance and determination were characteristic of the way she approached life: with purpose, faith, and a willingness to work for the things that mattered to her. After obtaining her degree, Debbie worked as a school nurse at Higley Elementary School for over 10 years.

Debbie and Kent also shared a love of travel and discovery. Together they traveled to Scotland, France, Japan, Italy, and Sweden, as well as to many wonderful places throughout Canada and the United States. These journeys created treasured memories and added to a lifetime filled with family, friendship, faith, learning, and adventure. Some of her other interests were attending sporting events, concerts, and movies.

Debbie will be remembered most of all for the love she gave to her family and the quiet strength with which she lived her life. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Her life was defined by faith, service, and an abiding love for those around her. The influence she had on her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will continue through the generations.

Her family is grateful for the many years they were privileged to share with her and for the countless memories that will remain with them. Although she will be deeply missed, her example of faith, dedication, and love will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Her funeral will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 1249 S 48th St, Mesa, AZ 85206 on September 12, 2026 at 10 AM. It will be broadcast via Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/92975605402.