In Loving Memory of Deborah Steinmetz (1951 - 2023)

Deborah Tossell Steinmetz passed away on Thursday, September 21, 2023 due to complications from a recent stroke. Deborah was a New Orleans native, born on November 29, 1951 to the late Estelle "Sissy" Ulmer Tossell of New Orleans and Donald F Tossell Sr. of Kewanee, IL. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband and business partner Robert C Steinmetz. Deborah is survived by her brother Donald Tossell, Jr and wife Sherry, her nephew Colin Tossell, several cousins and many lifelong friends. Deborah graduated from LSU in Baton Rouge with a degree in Interior Design. She was the founder and a Principal of Steinmetz and Associates, a space planning, interior design and architectural firm since 1984. Deborah was an award-winning designer certified by the NCIDQ examination administered by the Council for Interior Design Qualification. She worked tirelessly throughout her almost 50 year career to improve and promote her profession. She was a long-standing member of the American Society of Interior Designers, the International Interior Design Association and the International Facility Management Association. Deborah was named a Fellow of ASID and IIDA, the highest honor bestowed on a member. For decades, she sat on the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Interior Designers and served as the Chair of the Board in recent years where she worked extensively on legislative and regulatory issues. Deborah loved travelling, football and all things New Orleans! She was active in multiple civic organizations and service to her community. Her can do attitude and spirit will be missed by all who knew and loved her.