Debbie entered this world in Richmond, CA, as the daughter of Thomas Lee Wade and Carol Ann Cattron Wade. At the tender age of almost four, her family relocated to Washington, seeking proximity to her maternal relatives residing on Whidbey Island. Embracing this new chapter, Debbie rooted herself in the area, calling it home for the majority of her life.
Fuelled by an insatiable curiosity and a natural affinity for languages, Debbie embarked on adventures that spanned continents. Her love for exploration led her to spend a transformative junior year in Germany as an exchange student, a chapter she fondly recalled as she graduated from Marysville Pilchuck High School in 1985.
Nurturing her spiritual journey, Debbie embraced her faith during her college years, remaining steadfast in her beliefs throughout her lifetime. Armed with a thirst for knowledge, she earned her Bachelor’s degree from Western Washington University, eventually pursuing her passion for education as a history teacher.
Launching her career with substitute teaching, Debbie later ventured to Mattawa before answering the call of service with the Peace Corps, becoming part of the pioneering cohort of educators dispatched to Kyrgyzstan.
In her quest for enlightenment, Debbie traversed the globe, exploring diverse cultures and landscapes across Afghanistan, India, Thailand, and beyond. Her encounters ranged from learning Spanish in Guatemala to facing the unexpected charge of an elephant in Ghana.
Returning from her Peace Corps mission, Debbie imparted her wisdom at Cascade, Eisenhower, and the Everett Alternative High School, eventually ascending to the role of counselor at Cascade High School. A tireless advocate for educational equity and women’s rights, she coordinated scholarships, educated on gender equality, and championed her colleagues as a union representative.
Though unwed, Debbie devoted five years to nurturing foster girls during her residency in Arlington. Her love extended to her family, friends, beloved canines, and cherished books. A stalwart community volunteer, she fervently advocated for the empowerment of women and girls, finding beauty and inspiration in humanity's diversity.
Debbie's journey was not without loss, as she bid farewell to her father, Thomas Wade. She leaves behind her mother, Carol Cattron Wade, and step-mother, Mary Ellen Wade, along with her brother Thomas Wade (Ashley), nieces Amanda Wade and Kaitlin Wade, step-brother Ed Dobeas (Anna), aunts Gayle Pancerzewski and Sharon Edwards, and several cousins.
In honoring Debbie's vibrant spirit, a Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at Floral Hall in Forest Park from 2:00 to 5:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory can be made to the National Organization for Women (NOW) or Planned Parenthood, embodying Debbie's lifelong commitment to advocacy and social justice.
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