DEBRA MARIE "DEBBIE" FERNANDO

1961 - 2014

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.

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 was born in Anacortes, WA on February 25th, 1961 to Bert Baird and Shirley Wilbur and departed us, surrounded by family and friends, on January 13th, 2014 at the youthful age of 52 in Seattle, WA.

She 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 it's 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, WA; her son Lane Fernando and his wife Marcelle of La Conner, WA; her parents Bert Baird and Shirley Wilbur of La Conner, WA; her sister Nancy Wilbur of La Conner, WA; grandson James Fernando of Seattle, WA 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.

There will be a viewing at Kern Funeral Home on Friday January 17th at 2pm for family and close friends, followed by a dinner served at 5:00pm in the Swinomish Gymnasium. A prayer service will be held also in the Swinomish Gymnasium at 7:00pm. Debbie's funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 18th at 10:00am at the Swinomish Gymnasium in La Conner, WA.

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.