Obituary

Deanna Livesey passed away peacefully and surrounded by love and family on Friday, July 18th. Her passing comes after a lengthy and courageous battle with Myasthenia Gravis.

Deanna was born in Columbia, South Carolina in November 1946 to Clarence Frank and Willie Mae Hoepner. She was a naturally gifted athlete since childhood. At Dreher High School, she excelled in many sports including basketball, volleyball, and track and field events. She also achieved high marks in her studies, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from The University of South Carolina in 1969.

At a USO dance in Columbia, Deanna met the love of her life, William “Bill” Dennis Livesey. They wed on September 6, 1969 and were happily married for over 53 years. They spent the early years of their marriage in the New York area. Bill began a long and successful career at MetLife, while Deanna worked at Look Magazine and later the John Hay Whitney Foundation. Together they started a family as Bill’s career moved them to Illinois, New Jersey, and Long Island. Deanna focused on lovingly raising their two daughters, Deborah Givens and Christina Livesey.

Throughout her life, Deanna had many interests including art and culture, animals, and gardening. For several years, she worked at the Museum of Modern Art’s Research Library. She also earned her Certificate in Master Gardening and worked at the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens.

Deanna and Bill enjoyed their retirement years together first in Naples, Florida and then in Rancho Santa Fe, California. They later settled in Laguna Niguel to help care for their two cherished grandsons. In 2017, they both received the St. Anne’s School Grandparents of the Year Award.

With endless devotion, Deanna tended to Bill for 5 years after he suffered a disabling stroke. After Bill’s passing in 2023, Deanna soon bravely faced her own health struggles. After a long hospitalization due to Myasthenia Gravis, she was able to recover and return home. In recent months, Deanna enjoyed making improvements to her garden and spending time with her daughter Christina and their loyal dog, Babalu.

Deanna is survived by her loving sister, Linda Eileen Hulme, her nephew David Riberdy, her niece Samantha Robinson, her brother-in-law Edgar Riberdy, her sister-in-law Mary Weisenreider, and her nephew Stephen Weisenreider. She was predeceased by her beloved eldest sister, Angela Riberdy.

Deanna’s family wishes to thank our friends and neighbors who lended their support during this difficult time. We also express our deepest gratitude to her friend and caregiver Cora, as well as her physician, Dr. Fang. Their kindness and compassion gave Deanna great comfort in her final days.

A private ceremony will be held in the coming weeks. If you would like to honor Deanna’s memory, her family asks that donations be made to a charity very close to her heart, the ASPCA.