Debbie was one in a million. She was kind, funny, gentle and loving to anyone she met. She was my dearest high school friend and that bond never diminished even though we were not in constant contact. I loved her family. Debbie reflected the goodness in her mother and father. They were kind and accepting of all of Debbie's friends. Sandy, you and Debbie were an enviable couple! Your love for each other was evident from the beginning, has endured, and will endure for all time. Dan and James, your mother was loved by so many people. Keep her in your hearts and talk endlessly about her to your children so they will come to know her and love her as you do. Debbie's light continues to shine in all of our hearts. Thinking of you, her family, each and every day. - Meg Turner McGlauflin
#18Goodbye Debbie —
Robert Williams2016-01-26 20:18
I've had the truly fun pleasure of knowing Debbie since I was 8 years old. The Thomson family was the first to welcome me when I moved to the neighborhood and we remained friends ever since.
Debbie truly was my favorite of all my friends' moms and, actually, one of my favorite "adults" growing up. She spoke to me with sincere interest (even when I was a child) and listened with a kind and inquisitive ear. Debbie was as proud of any tiny accomplishment of mine and expressed her alacrity as if she was one of my own parents.
I feel blessed that I was able to visit with Debbie and Sandy a few years back (prior to the progression of disease) and experience her disarming smile, infectious laugh, and that ineffable feeling of joy that overwhelms you when you know that somebody is truly happy to see you and actually wants to hear how your life is going whether good or bad.
I can't imagine the loss you are enduring and send my love to Sandy, James, and Dan.
The last time I saw Debbie in person was at our Swarthmore High School Class Reunion many years ago, so my memories go back to High School. James, I can say I remember her signature monkey sound and I'm sure her grandchildren would giggle endlessly when she treated them with it. She was funny and sweet and I'm sad for your family because I know she will be greatly missed, but from the words you wrote, I can tell she has left a legacy of love and laughter, and you are all very lucky!
#16Gone too soon —
Ann Harrison Rohr2016-01-23 00:50
Luckily my career crossed path with Debbie's many years ago in Orange County, CA. We worked together for years and I loved every minute of it. Debbie was a talented marketer who added tremendous value to our company. But she gave so so much more through her kindness, compassion and loving personality. She genuinely cared for everyone she encountered. Her laugh and smile stay with me still. Debbie was always excited to share in the happiness of others - often posting wedding announcements of our kids in her office. She loved her move to Colorado even though she missed her kids. She was so very happy to become a grandma. She and Sandy were soul mates and it was so evident when you saw them light up around each other. Debbie had a huge heart full of love, laughter and generosity. Gone all too soon. Ann Rohr
#15I'm so sorry for your loss. —
Mike Herro2016-01-19 19:47
I absolutely adored Debbie. She was unbelievably kind, had an amazing sense of humor and an incredible zest for life.
When I visited Colorado with Dan and Jamie, Debbie not only welcomed me into her house but she treated me like a member of their family. She made me feel so comfortable in fact, that I joked with her as if she was one of my best friends, and I unleashed some of my more off-color comments, which may have been (and probably were) offensive. But thankfully, Debbie just laughed. I actually don’t remember a time when she wasn’t laughing or smiling.
She was warm, loving and caring and I consider myself very lucky to have known her. She and Sandy also raised two of my favorite people, for which I’ll be eternally grateful.
Thanks so much for sharing the wonderful memories. I don't know that I've ever met someone with a bigger heart and filled with so much joy. And what a looker! All of the Tavaglione's pass along our thoughts, prayers, and hugs to you, and thanks for letting us get to be a little part of your family.
I feel lucky to have known Debbie! She was a wonderful person and will truly be missed.
#12So many wonderful memories —
Kimberley Goman Baker2016-01-15 22:24
We are so blessed in our family to have known what family love truly means. So many great memories - babies, weddings and the best family parties ever for every birthday and holiday and always so happy to see everyone! Debbie's smile, her intense beauty both inside and out, and her beautiful voice! I can still hear her sing beautiful harmony with all those she loved so much. I really miss that! Just know I love you all and I think about you often. When you are ready, lets plan a family party. So many beautiful babies to get to know. I love you all. Kim
#11So incredibly sad —
Bob Nenninger2016-01-15 21:15
Dear Sandy and Family,
It is so incredibly sad to hear this news of Debbie's passing. It's been a long time since we worked together and it was a joy to see you last year at Dave's "Send-Off Party." Debbie was always so warm, kind, and with the sweetest smile. I've never seen pictures from your younger days but I must say... you really married up Sandy! I especially love the picture that looks like it must have been from your "hippy days". The one where Debbie looks like Natalie Wood you look an awful lot like Ed Sheeran. If you don't know who that is, google it. :)
I will always remember your stories of life with Debbie and the boys. I still re-tell them to this day. The one about your boys chewing a gun out of slices of bread. And going around the block over and over until you out-ran your dog. Just priceless and always funny.
I hope you are okay old friend. My heart breaks for you. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Bob Nenninger and Family
#10May God be with you all —
Dwight2016-01-15 06:24
Sandy, Dan and James and family - Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Although I didn't know Debbie personally, I am assured through reading about her here and through knowing Sandy, that she was a wonderful person, mother, sister and more to all she came in touch with. God bless you all during this time of grief and our wish that with time, your hearts will heal. - Dwight Touchberry and family
Light a Candle
Comments
Debbie truly was my favorite of all my friends' moms and, actually, one of my favorite "adults" growing up. She spoke to me with sincere interest (even when I was a child) and listened with a kind and inquisitive ear. Debbie was as proud of any tiny accomplishment of mine and expressed her alacrity as if she was one of my own parents.
I feel blessed that I was able to visit with Debbie and Sandy a few years back (prior to the progression of disease) and experience her disarming smile, infectious laugh, and that ineffable feeling of joy that overwhelms you when you know that somebody is truly happy to see you and actually wants to hear how your life is going whether good or bad.
I can't imagine the loss you are enduring and send my love to Sandy, James, and Dan.
Sincerely,
B.J.
When I visited Colorado with Dan and Jamie, Debbie not only welcomed me into her house but she treated me like a member of their family. She made me feel so comfortable in fact, that I joked with her as if she was one of my best friends, and I unleashed some of my more off-color comments, which may have been (and probably were) offensive. But thankfully, Debbie just laughed. I actually don’t remember a time when she wasn’t laughing or smiling.
She was warm, loving and caring and I consider myself very lucky to have known her. She and Sandy also raised two of my favorite people, for which I’ll be eternally grateful.
She will be missed.
It is so incredibly sad to hear this news of Debbie's passing. It's been a long time since we worked together and it was a joy to see you last year at Dave's "Send-Off Party." Debbie was always so warm, kind, and with the sweetest smile. I've never seen pictures from your younger days but I must say... you really married up Sandy! I especially love the picture that looks like it must have been from your "hippy days". The one where Debbie looks like Natalie Wood you look an awful lot like Ed Sheeran. If you don't know who that is, google it. :)
I will always remember your stories of life with Debbie and the boys. I still re-tell them to this day. The one about your boys chewing a gun out of slices of bread. And going around the block over and over until you out-ran your dog. Just priceless and always funny.
I hope you are okay old friend. My heart breaks for you. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Bob Nenninger and Family