Dr. Deborah Lynn Fairchild Harding was born on March 29, 1956, in Washington, DC, to Charles Marvin Fairchild and Elizabeth Matola Fairchild. She was the eldest of her siblings: Charles, Bridget, Pamela, and Teresa. Shortly after graduating from The Madeira School (‘74) she met the love of her life, Dr. Victor Hunt Harding, at a charity event. They got married two years later on June 19, 1976 and spent their lifetimes learning together, including as Debbie studied at University of Virginia (BA ‘78) and later at Southern Illinois University Medical School (MD ‘83). They would go on to share an extraordinary 48-year marriage, filled with raising six beautiful children and embarking on countless travels around the globe, all while leading a world-renowned medical practice.

Debbie, professionally known as Dr. Deb, alongside Dr. Victor, touched the lives of thousands of patients throughout her 40-plus year medical career, culminating in founding The Harding Medical Institute. It was one of the country’s first concierge medical practices and pioneered combining anti-aging medicine with preventive medical care. In recognition of her achievements, Dr. Deb won the Athena Award for ‘Orlando’s Best New Woman Owned Business’ given by Disney and Rollins Crummer Graduate School of Business. Furthermore, she was the first woman to serve on the scientific advisory board of the Life Extension Foundation and was on the volunteer teaching faculty of the University of Central Florida. Debbie recounted that some of her happiest moments were ones where she helped others, such as through catching an undiagnosed disease saving the life of a patient, or through giving advice in her business group, CEO Nexus.

Debbie’s mantra was to live life to the fullest, and she embodied this every day while overcoming many obstacles, doing things “my way.” She was always laughing, dancing wherever there was music (or even when there wasn’t), skiing fearlessly down double black diamonds, exercising at the gym, and hitting miracle shots on the golf course. Debbie seemingly could do it all, highlighted by how she won the Mrs. Florida People’s Choice award, despite being nearly twice the age of her fellow contestants.

Her love for life continues through Victor and her children: David, Elizabeth, Christopher, Michael, Charles, and Alexander, her current and future children-in-law: Mahlon, Nicole, Chanelle, Katherine, and Irene, as well as her eight grandchildren, who lovingly know her as ‘Glamma’: Mackenzie, Bryce, Rylee, Sloane, Ambrose, Pierce, Rowan, and Charlie. Debbie showed her family that anything is possible and inspired those closest to chase their dreams and always “reach for the stars” because “if you can dream it, you can achieve it.”

Deborah spent some of her final moments listening to her favorite song ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ and favorite movie ‘The Sound of Music’ while celebrating an early Christmas with a festive tree near her bedside. She passed away peacefully outside in the crisp North Carolina air at sunset on October 14, 2024, held tightly by her entire family. She is now dancing in heaven with her late child, Victoria, as she watches over the incredible legacy she left behind. Debbie requested that in lieu of flowers donations be made to either the Glioblastoma Foundation or St. Matthew’s Cathedral of Washington D.C.