Born in Houston, Texas to Frank and Signe Clasquin, Deborah was raised in Boston, Massachusetts. Following high school graduation from Milton Academy, she earned degrees from Smith College, New England Conservatory of Music, and a Doctorate in Piano Performance from Indiana University.
She resided in Arcata since joining the music faculty at Humboldt State University in 1985. The outpouring of support during her illness made it evident that Deborah had entertained and given inspiration to audiences, students, the public, and her family. In June of 2008, Deborah was honored by resolutions from the California Legislature Assembly, and the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors.
Deborah gave performances in Paris, France this past October followed by a performance in Anchorage, Alaska in November. Then, in February, she attended a performance at the Arkley Center where her 15 year old daughter, Signe, performed on the piano with the Eureka Symphony. She also delighted in seeing her daughter, Alida, turn 10 years old.
Deborah is survived by husband, John P. Nicklas; daughters, Signe Nicklas, and Alida Nicklas; sisters, Jeanne Weiss (Dick), Lorraine Clasquin (Eric Harslem), and Margot Clasquin, M.D. (Jim Yeager); brother, Fred Clasquin, DDS (Amy Harris), and nieces and nephews.
Deborah’s childhood dream was to play Short Stop for the Boston Red Sox, and to have a white horse in her garage.
Deborah received wonderfully compassionate care from the Humboldt County medical community as well as Hospice of Humboldt. Her family is grateful to the many medical professionals who gave her comfort. A public service will be held on Sunday, April 19 at the Lutheran Church of Arcata at 2:00 pm.