“DEBBIE”

1961-2014

La Conner resident Deborah Marie Fernando died on Monday, January 13 at age 52 surrounded by her family and friends in Seattle.

Debbie was born in Anacortes on February 25, 1961 to Bert Baird and Shirley Wilbur.

“My mother was a kind, loving, sassy individual who showed the utmost character, spent her days devoted to her family, and treated everyone with respect, honesty and compassion,” wrote her son, Lane Fernando.

“Her community was strong, having called Anacortes and La Conner home, the network and connections she built will last an eternity throughout the Skagit County and beyond.”

Debbie had a plethora of interests ranging from horseback riding, gardening, commercial fishing, volunteering, tribal cultural events, clam digging, thrift store rummaging, loving nature and all of its offerings and beach combing.

Many are familiar with Debbie from her time at Safeway in Anacortes. She established lifelong relationships with her fellow employees, customers and many from the community. She took pride in taking an interest in others and trying to do whatever she could to brighten their day.

Debbie also worked early on for Visiting Angels, the Swinomish Tribal Police, owner of Salish Fish Co. and most recently for the Swinomish Tribal Gaming Commission.

She is survived by her loving husband of 33 years, David Fernando of La Conner; her son Lane Fernando and his wife Marcelle of La Conner; her parents Bert Baird and Shirley Wilbur of La Conner; her sister Nancy Wilbur of La Conner; her grandson James Fernando of Seattle; and many more family throughout Washington and the United States.

Debbie was an exceptional daughter, best friend, loving mother, devoted and caring wife and life companion. There’s not enough words to express the brightness which was her, always think fondly in remembrance, smile at the adventures and generosity that encompassed her life, and live up to the mark of human nature that she so well displayed and represented.

“I love you, Mom, thank you for making me the man I am.”

Services were held on Friday and Saturday.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Humane Society of Skagit Valley, 18841 Kelleher Road, Burlington, WA 98233 or the Cat’s Meow, 803 4th Street Anacortes, WA 98221 and the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements are under the care of Kern Funeral Home of Mount Vernon.