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Debra Zander Obituary
completed her Life's Book, Wednesday, March 16, 2011 after a long illness. She was surrounded by family and friends. She will be missed by everyone who knew her. She retired in 2009 from the Mesa Public Library where she was a Children's Librarian for 31 years. She had many interests including Toastmasters, a book group, a foreign food group and a member of the 'Singing Survivors" group at Banner Desert Medical Center. Debbie was a founding member of the "Libraries of the Future". She attended and spoke at their latest meeting in March 2011 in San Diego. She was devoted to her children and grand children. She leaves behind her children; Kimberly (Rick) Davis, Christopher (Shelley) Bailey and Courtney (Reuben) Valdez. She is also survived by her mother Barbara Zander, her sister Karen (Richard) Carrillo and brother David (Sharon) Zander. Grandchildren include Kalvyn, Tate, Blake and Madalyn. Memorial Services will be held at 5:30 pm on Tuesday, March 22 at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 142 N. Date St., Mesa, AZ 85201. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Mesa Public Library, Attn Jill London. Arrangements by Bueler Mortuary.
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Memories and Condolences
for Debra Zander
Becki Brown
March 14, 2023
Hey Deb, I'm thinking of you and sending my best wishes to your family. Always, Becki
Becki Brown
May 7, 2022
Deb, I still remember the 'cheer' you taught me in 1970. I was 13 yrs. old. I waited with you for Mike Bailey, the first time you went out on a date with him. I also remember Mike Daleezle who lived across the street and bought you Bazooka bubble gum by the 100 pieces. When you had your bed room redecorated I wrote, "Becki was here" on your freshly wallpapered wall. I remember the Sat. morning you called me to tell me to turn on the radio, a new song by the Bee Gee's was playing: 'Lonely Days. I remember when your sister Lynn took us to the mall, in her car, right after she hot her driver's license. It is now 2022. The last time I saw you was 1975 when we went to your house so you could show off the home you and Mike bought (you got to choose the water and light fixtures. You were so proud of that!) I attended yours and Mikes wedding in Pioneer Park. So many memories!!! I called Karen a while back and she told me of your passing. I'm grateful I knew you. You were a joy!!! God bless and keep you always. Love, Becki Brown
Sara Schettler Goulet
March 26, 2011
I had the pleasure of working with Debbie at Dobson Library. She would arrive early on Saturday mornings with so much happiness and enthusiasm. She loved to laugh and the day would always be brighter because of Debbie. My deepest condolences to Debbie's family and close friends.
March 24, 2011
To Debbie's Family,
Thank you for sharing your mother with so many of us. You saw the outpouring of love expressed at her memorial service. I always looked forward to our times together.
Her time on earth went by much too quickly but we will all keep her memory alive in our hearts. May God's loving arms enfold you all.
Judy Antrim
March 24, 2011
I saw Debbie a little over a year ago and she told me "I don't feel sick, they tell me I'm sick but I don't feel it". She was such a positive person and full of life. I'll remember her kindness and laughter.
Kathy Fraser
Kimberly Davis
March 23, 2011
Mom.. I miss you so...You were my best friend, the best grandma ever and such a wonderful person..Thank you for dedicating your life to us, even when we didn't deserve it. I love you and can't wait to see you again. Kim
Courtney Valdez
March 22, 2011
Mom I love you and always will. I miss you more than I can say and don't know how my life will be as full without you. I love you, you were my best friend.
Brynn Burton
March 22, 2011
Without a doubt, Debbie was one of the funniest persons I have ever known. When Debbie and Gail Benton performed a "60's Flower Children's Story Time" at Jane and Kevin Rognlie's talent show party, they were very authentic and very hilarious. I can still see her in her headband with her long beautiful hair holding a long stem daisy. I also got to work with her at the Mesa Public Library's "Pet Show" for kids where she was a "judge" and came up with bizarre and unusual awards (Fluffiest Cat, Prettiest Rottweiler, Friendliest Frog, etc.) so that each participant got special recognition. But what I remember best is when she was living in her house in Chandler, raising her three kids, how much she loved them. She would candidly talk about the day-to-day family activities and challenges of Kim, Chris and Courtney, always with love and humor. That's how I will remember her: as a caring and loving mother who could also see the absurdities of life.
Jessica Rennells Pickering
March 22, 2011
Courtney, Kim, and Chris,
My heart sank as I heard the news. I am sending you all the hugs and love in the world. Your mom is so awesome, she always made me laugh and crazy enough I loved the way she smelled. I know it is not easy, but remember the big smiles and all the laughter as you move through life. Hugs and kisses to you all.
Victoria McKeever
March 21, 2011
Debbie was my best friend for so many years. I moved in with her when I was 17 years old and her children where babies. Debbie and I had soooo many adventures together!!! I grew up when I lived with Debbie and she told me she grew up with me too. I have never known anyone who had such a gentle heart even in the face of adversity. My heart is broken with the loss of Debbie...the world got a little bit darker with her passing. But I shall never ever forget her, or the influence she had on me and my life. Every single time I eat dillweed dip and Ruffles potato chips, I remember the wonderful times Debbie and I sat on her couch, when her babies finally fell asleep and we ate that dip and chips and sang along to Heart and Dreamboat Annie album. I miss you sooooo..... but God got a GREAT woman!!!
Annette Zahn
March 21, 2011
Kim, Courtney and Chris, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Your mom was a spirited person who had a great sense of humor and was one of few who could make such silly jokes about herself. I enjoyed the many times we had lunch with her. She always embraced all, and was so easy to be around! She will remain in your hearts forever and I am sure you will hold her close always!
Brenda De La Rosa
March 21, 2011
Debbie was one of my dearest friends. We met when we both started working at the library in 1978. She and I became instant friends, and I cherish the memories of all the fun adventures we had. She was my birth coach when my son was born.
I've watched her children grown into wonderful adults with families of their own. She was so proud of each of them.
She reached out to us when we found out about my husband's cancer diagnosis. Even in the midst of her own battle with cancer, she reached out to so many others to help them, too. That was Debbie.
I will miss her gentle, caring nature. Her quick wit and fabulous sense of humor. Her wise advice and her gentle smile.
Oh, Debbie, you left us too soon. We are better for knowing you, and our lives will be emptier since you have gone. I take solace in the fact that you are safe in the hands of God.
Susan Cromby
March 21, 2011
I met Debbie when I first started working at Mesa Library more than twenty five years ago. She was always cheerful and the kids loved her. She knew the collection backwards and forwards and got on well with everybody. The world is sadder now without her.
Nancy Wolter
March 21, 2011
Dear family of Debbie,
I had the pleasure, fun and enchantment of working with your mother for more than two decades at the City of Mesa. I was in the arts and culture department, she was in the library. But her love of life inspired so many of us. She was so positive, cheeful, open-minded, fun, inquisitve, and inspired all she knew and touched. I am so sorry for your loss, and indeed, it is a loss for all who knew her. While she is gone, hers is a spirit that continues to bring light and joy.
March 21, 2011
Your love for life will continue on thru your children and grandchildren. We enjoy the frienships that we have made with Coutney, Reuben, and their daughter Madalyn. If not for your life, we would not have their lives to share. We thank you.
Anthony, Celene, and Ciara Scopellite
March 21, 2011
Kim Chris and Courtney, words can not express the sorrow we have for your family at this time. We truly loved your Mom and enjoyed our vacation and Christmas with her for the last 2 years. She was a wonderful person and full of life. I believe each of her family members will have a richer life for the impact she left on you. We will miss her and her great laugh. I know Devon will miss Grandma Debi also.
Sheree, Reuben and Devon Valdez
April Aguinaga
March 21, 2011
Debbie, I'll miss your wonderful smile and spirit. I only got to know you for a few years but we bonded over our love of food. I found your life so inspirational as you always lived life to the fullest.
Holly Walter
March 21, 2011
Kim,
I am so sorry to hear this sad news. Your mother sounds like a wonderful person, talented and loving, and I know that you and your family have suffered a great loss. I hope your memories of her will be of some comfort to you.
If there is anything I can do - will you let me know? I would like to help. Please accept my sympathy.
March 21, 2011
Kim,
I never met your mom, but she had to be pretty special to have a daughter like you. I have admired the strength you showed in this journey you had with your mother and her fight. It is obvious how much you love her. You and your family are in our prayers. We love you.
The Uhrichs
Jennifer Cook
March 21, 2011
Dearest Kim, Chris and Courtney and family,
I remember fun times with your mom and she always seemed so relaxed and fun..even though she had a lot on her plate as a single mom. She was a beautiful lady and she was loved so much. My love to you and I'm grateful for having had met her.
Katie Gillen
March 21, 2011
I worked with Debbie in the 1980s when I was a reference librarian there. She was one of the people who made Mesa Public Library the wonderful place that it was.My sympathy for all her family, friends and co-workers. She will be greated missed.
Jordyn Davis
March 21, 2011
Grandma Debbie,
I know you weren't really my grandma but i insist on calling you grandma Debbie because that is the only way i felt comfortable talking to you because you were like a grandma to me I love you so very much and hope you are doing well walking with the lord. Leaving behind 3 wonderful children and 4 wonderful grandchildren must have been hard for you but i believe god has everything happen for a reason but do not not forget that that wont be the last time you will see them i hope you are watching us and them from heaven as we speak and one day when they too go to heaven you will then meet up again and live in peace together! May God be with Kim, Rick ,Kalvyn, Tate, Black, Courtney, Ruban, Madeline,Chris and Shelly as they all go through this rough time in their lives.
Kristy Rennells McCormick
March 20, 2011
Kim, Chris and Courtney,
I am so sorry to hear about your mom. I loved her like a second mother. Most of my childhood memories include her loading all six of us in her little car in middle of the summer so we could all hang out. Movie night at my house with old reel projector movies and popcorn, it was so much fun. God must have needed some humor in heaven and I know that she is smiling down on all of you and your families. One day you will understand why but for now I will pray for you and please know that she is in such a glorious place. God bless you and love always!
Kat Jones
March 20, 2011
When I lived in Mesa during the 1980's, I was friends with Debbie. She always had a smile for everyone and such a 'bubbly' personality. Although I have not seen her for years, I still remember how sweet she was and how she was devoted to her children. God bless her and her family. Kat Jones
Gail Benton
March 20, 2011
Debbie and I have known each other for 30 years, raising our kids together, planning summer reading programs and enjoying weekend trips away from it all. She could always help me laugh and I could always help her see the bigger picture. Although we didn't see each other much in the last few years, she was always in my heart and prayers. I am glad she is at peace now and pray that her family finds comfort in remembering the good life she lived and the joy she brought to us all. Gail Benton
Diane Tuccillo
March 20, 2011
I first met Debbie when I joined the Mesa Library in 1980. She was a joy to work with, smart and knowledgeable, always looking to learn new things, and you could count on her to inject a dose of humor at the most fitting moments. She was a great Children's Librarian and co-worker, and it was my privilege to be her supervisor for a while before I left the library in 2005. Sincere condolences to her family, friends, and everyone who knew her at the Mesa Library. She will be greatly missed, but I know that when she first saw heaven, she gave that great smile and said, "It's beautious!"
March 19, 2011
Debbie was there when I started at Mesa Public Library in 1981, Her beautiful smile and gorgeous long hair made her stand apart from others. She made me feel welcome. Through hard work and talent she rose to become a wonderful Children's Librarian. I will miss her infectious smile and fun personality. She and i belonged to a book group and I grew to care about her even more over the years, I will truly miss her. My heart felt sympathy to her family.
Lovingly, Pam Gassler
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