"Debbie lived fully, authentically, and with purpose. When she was diagnosed with brain cancer, she adopted the motto "no day but today," inspired by one of her favorite musicals, "Rent." While going through treatment, she wrote, read, traveled, danced, exercised, baked, ate what she wanted, and cherished her time with family and her large circle of friends, all of whom loved her distinctive laugh."
"Debbie's extensive career included work for Berkeley's Parallax Press; the iconic "How To" mindfulness series by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh is still seen at bookstores everywhere. Cookbooks became her specialty, with highlights such as "The Berkeley Bowl Cookbook" and the first two "Official Downton Abbey" cookbooks. During her struggle with cancer, Debbie began and completed her second book. Her passion kept her trekking back and forth to the Berkeley, UC Berkeley, and Rockridge libraries,"
Debbie Berne died Dec. 24 at her Oakland home after a two-year battle with glioblastoma, five days before her 56th birthday. Her first book, "The Design of Books," appeared weeks after diagnosis and drew on more than 20 years as a professional book designer; it has been translated into three languages. Her career included work for Berkeley's Parallax Press and the widely seen "How To" mindfulness series by Thich Nhat Hanh. Cookbooks became a specialty, including "The Berkeley Bowl Cookbook" and the first two "Official Downton Abbey" cookbooks. During illness she completed a second book, "Cookbooking: A Fan's Guide," slated for 2026. She loved making music, played banjo in the Squirrelly String Band, and embraced a "no day but today" approach while treasuring family, friends, and daily joys.
Read at The Oaklandside
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]