Deborah Shiling, born in 1944, is a businesswoman hailing from Vermont. She gained prominence as the first wife of Bernie Sanders, the renowned American politician. However, their marriage lasted only two years, culminating in a divorce in 1966 when Deborah was just 20 years old.
Prior to 2015, Deborah Shiling remained relatively unknown to the public. It wasn’t until an interview in 2015 when Bernie Sanders disclosed that he had married his college sweetheart in 1964, using the name Deborah Messing for her.
The use of the name Messing suggests that it might be the surname of Deborah’s second husband. When asked about Bernie in the interview, Shiling chose not to divulge much but expressed her belief in Bernie Sanders. Despite their separation, she maintained a positive and respectful stance toward her ex-husband.
Quick Information
| Value | Attribute |
| Full Name | Deborah Shiling |
| Birth Year | 1944 |
| Age | 79 |
| Birth Place | Baltimore, Maryland, United States |
| Profession | Entrepreneur |
| Height | 5 feet, 4 inches |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Net Worth | $300k |
Biography Of Deborah Shiling
Deborah Shiling, born in 1944, is a businesswoman hailing from Vermont. She gained prominence as the first wife of Bernie Sanders, the renowned American politician. However, their marriage lasted only two years, culminating in a divorce in 1966 when Deborah was just 20 years old.
Prior to 2015, Deborah Shiling remained relatively unknown to the public. It wasn’t until an interview in 2015 when Bernie Sanders disclosed that he had married his college sweetheart in 1964, using the name Deborah Messing for her.
The use of the name Messing suggests that it might be the surname of Deborah’s second husband. When asked about Bernie in the interview, Shiling chose not to divulge much but expressed her belief in Bernie Sanders. Despite their separation, she maintained a positive and respectful stance toward her ex-husband.
Where Is Deborah Shiling From? Her Age And Early Life
Deborah Shiling, the first wife of the well-known American politician Bernie Sanders, originally comes from Baltimore, Maryland. Born in 1944, she is three years younger than her former husband. At 79 years old, Shiling carries a wealth of life experiences.
In her early years, Deborah spent a significant portion of her life in the lively city of Baltimore, crafting memories and shaping her identity within the embrace of her family. As an American by nationality, Deborah Shiling belongs to the Caucasian ethnicity, showcasing the diverse tapestry of her heritage and background.
Parents Of Deborah Shiling
Deborah Shiling’s father, Moses Shiling, played a crucial role in shaping her life. As the Chief Lung Disease Physician at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, Moses Shiling’s name holds recognition, particularly within medical circles.
Deborah’s familial connection to her father, Moses, goes beyond the personal sphere and resonates with his professional prominence. Throughout her life, Deborah leaned on the unwavering support and strength provided by her father. Moses Shiling’s role as a pillar of strength significantly contributed to Deborah’s journey in navigating the complexities of the modern world. The influence and guidance of Moses played a vital role in shaping Deborah’s path and eventual success.
Deborah Shiling Professional Life
Deborah Shiling maintains a discreet personal life but is recognized as a former celebrity wife. Her ex-husband, Bernie Sanders, is a prominent American politician, currently serving as the junior United States Senator since 2007 from Vermont.
Sanders, a historic figure as the longest-serving independent in U.S. Congress history, held the position of the U.S. state’s representative for the at-large congressional district from 1991 to 2007. Although he has a loose affiliation with the Democratic Party, Sanders has consistently advocated against economic inequality and neoliberalism throughout his political career.
Sanders’ political tenure is marked by unwavering support for labor rights, universal healthcare, paid parental leave, and tuition-free tertiary education. Additionally, he has actively championed an ambitious Green New Deal, proposing legislation to address both climate change and economic inequality in the United States.
Deborah Shiling Personal Life
Deborah Shiling, identified as straight, is currently married to a man named Bob Messing. However, there is limited information available about her current relationship. She gained more recognition for her previous marriage to the influential political figure Bernie Sanders. Their connection dates back to their college days when they were college sweethearts, eventually tying the knot on September 6, 1964.
In the past, Deborah and Bernie were deeply in love, often viewed as an ideal couple by many. Their wedding ceremony took place in Deborah’s birthplace at her parent’s home, and the newlyweds settled in the hamlet of Middlesex, acquiring a sugar shack and 85 acres of land for $2,500. Unfortunately, their relationship faced challenges, leading to their divorce after 18 months of marriage.
The Short-Lived Marriage
Deborah and Bernie initially shared a strong bond, leading a happy matrimonial relationship for over a year. However, it didn’t sustain for long, and they divorced in 1966, just 18 months after their wedding. Sources reported that the now-exes had an amicable separation. Shiling remains a staunch supporter of her ex-spouse, expressing, “I really don’t want to say much. All I can say is I believe in Bernie Sanders, and I am a strong supporter.”
Details On Their First Interaction
A year before tying the knot, Deborah crossed paths with Bernie at the University of Chicago. Both actively volunteered at the Israeli Kibbutz Sha’ar HaAmakim during this time. Sanders, pursuing psychology, was deeply engaged in protests against racially segregated housing on campus.
Much like her future husband, Deborah was a dedicated civil rights activist. In 1960, she joined the Congress of Race Equality and actively participated in various sit-ins aimed at challenging segregation in Baltimore’s restaurants. Their shared commitment to social justice and activism laid the foundation for their connection and eventual marriage.
Deborah Shiling’s Second Chapter: Life After Divorce and Marriage to Bob Messing
Deborah has been quite private about her romantic life since parting ways with her first husband. However, recent tabloid reports suggest that she has indeed tied the knot again, this time with a man named Bob Messing. Their wedding reportedly took place in 1967, just a year after her divorce from Sanders. According to Shiling, her second husband is often described as a ‘poet slash logger slash philosopher’.
Ever since their marriage, Deborah and Bob have been enjoying a happy and harmonious relationship, showing no signs of any conflicts.
Shiling has one child.
In the early 1970s, Deborah Shiling welcomed her baby girl into the world with her second spouse, Bob. Despite this, the couple has chosen to keep details about their only child, including her name, private. Currently, they reside in a house nestled on a steep hill, just under a mile from Montpelier.
On the flip side, delving into the love life of Deborah’s ex-spouse, Bernie Sanders, the renowned politician has been happily married to Jane O’Meara for over three decades. While the couple doesn’t have children of their own, Jane has three kids – Heather, Carina, and David – from her previous relationship.
It’s worth noting that Sanders also has a biological son, Levi Sanders, born in 1969 with his ex-girlfriend Susan Campbell Mott.
Net worth
Residing in Vermont, she holds the position of a buyer at the renowned Hunger Mountain Coop, a natural foods co-operative spanning 20,000 square feet. Her home is located in Montpelier, Vermont’s capital.
In addition to her role as a buyer, she actively engages in social activism, contributing to movements advocating for social equality. She has undertaken studies in this field, although specific details about her previous works remain unknown, preventing us from making any comments on that aspect of her career.
People Also Ask
Q. Where is Deborah Shiling originally from?
Deborah Shiling hails from Baltimore, Maryland, in the United States.
Q. How old is Deborah Shiling?
Born in 1944, Deborah Shiling is currently 79 years old.
Q. Who are Deborah Shiling’s parents?
Her father is Moses Shiling, serving as the Chief Lung Disease Physician at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore.
Q. What does Deborah Shiling do for a living?
Deborah Shiling is an entrepreneur.
Q. Is Deborah Shiling currently married?
Yes, she is currently married to Bob Messing.
Q. Does Deborah Shiling have children?
Yes, she has a daughter born in the early 1970s with her second spouse, Bob Messing.
Q. What is Deborah Shiling’s estimated net worth?
Deborah Shiling’s net worth is approximately $300,000.
Conclusion
Deborah Shiling’s journey unfolds through different phases, from her initial marriage to Bernie Sanders, their eventual divorce, to her later union with Bob Messing. Although she keeps a low profile, she actively participates in social activism and presently holds the role of a buyer at Hunger Mountain Coop in Vermont. This article provides insight into both her personal and professional life, giving readers a glimpse into the captivating story of this entrepreneur and former celebrity wife.
