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Deborah Weinbaum Obituary

DEBORAH MICHELLE WEINBAUM, our beloved daughter, lost her seven year battle with brain cancer Sunday night, December 31, 2006. She was a true example of dignity, showing incredible courage, strength, and optimism throughout. She will be remembered by her family and friends for her positive attitude about life. Debbie was born in Houston, March 14, 1972, to Fredi and Hillel Weinbaum and lived in Houston, Phoenix and Denver before making Dallas her home. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, her adored Nana and Papa, Ida and Sam Bornstein, her paternal grandparents, Luba and David Weinbaum, and her uncle Rami Weinbaum. Also preceding her was Missy, her faithful Schipperke. Debbie is survived by her parents and her brother Elan, her aunts, Thada and Barbara Bornstein, Alena Weinbaum and her cousins, David and Noemie Weinbaum, and many friends too numerous to mention. Debbie graduated from Bellaire High School in 1990, and from the University of Texas in Austin in 1994, where she received her undergraduate degree in Mathematics and then earned her Master's of Business at Texas A & M in College Station. She worked for General Mills in Dallas immediately following graduation from A&M, and later went to work for Heinz Corporation. Debbie was full of life and loved every moment of it. She was fun-loving, and enjoyed playing Mah Jongg, Bunko, and softball with her friends. She had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to laugh. She was respected and loved by all and was genuine and sincere in her friendships. Her zest for life was contagious and her magnetic personality will always be engraved in the hearts of those who were fortunate to know her. Most of all, Debbie was known for thinking of and caring for others. She served on the Board of the Grey Matters Brain Cancer of Plano support group for several years. She had a dynamic personality with a charisma that was contagious. Her generosity, energy and her remarkable strength and character will live on through the lives she touched in her all too short life. Funeral service 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, January 3, 2007 in the Kagan-Rudy Chapel in Emanu El Memorial Park, 8341 Bissonnet, with burial to follow. The family would like to thank her loving caregivers, devoted friends, some of whom made countless trips to Houston to visit her, and the staff at M.D. Anderson for their help. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to M.D. Anderson, a charity of your choice, or the Leadership Plano Scholarship Fund 1200 East 15th Street, Plano Texas 75074 that her dear friends set up in her name.

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Published by Houston Chronicle from Jan. 2 to Jan. 3, 2007.

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Michelle Mosley Kisner

January 1, 2016

Tonight I'm thinking of Debbie and what a sweet and wonderful person she was. We became friends at Texas A &M and went on to work at General Mills together after graduation. I think of Debbie often. I'm not a very religious person, but I do say a little prayer of remembrance for Debbie every New Year's Eve. She is loved and missed.

Thanksgiving 1995

March 16, 2007

Debbie at her apartment in Dallas, July 1996.

March 16, 2007

Debbie and Kristi in Wisconsin at the Logan's.

March 16, 2007

Mahra Fox

February 9, 2007

To the Weinbaum Family,
I was shocked when I learned today of Debbie's passing. She was among the first people I met when I moved to Dallas and I will always remember her as the exhuberant, outgoing and warm young woman detailed in her obituary. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.

March 1997 with Mike, Darren, and Dusty

February 7, 2007

Debbie March 1997

February 7, 2007

Debbie with Adam Goucher December 2006

February 6, 2007

Debbie at Lilly's Kindergarten Graduation June 2002

February 6, 2007

Our Beloved Debbie

February 6, 2007

Tracy Begley

February 3, 2007

Oh how I miss Debbie - to hear her laugh, our long talks as I drove all over town, and celebrating our birthday months. She is such a special friend and I hope over time the hole in my heart will close or at least get smaller. I can only hope to be as strong of a mother as you are Fredi. Your entire family has shown me the true meaning of the word.

Jeff Klein

January 31, 2007

Debbie was the hub of our group of friends. Many of the people close to me I met because of Debbie. We all miss her.

Eric Hamerman

January 31, 2007

Mr. & Mrs. Weinbaum, & Elan:
I was so saddened to hear about Debbie's passing. She was one of the first people that I met when I was living in Dallas... and one of the strongest and most resilient. Debbie's presence always brightened the room, and even though I hadn't seen her since I moved away from Texas, I miss her already.
My sincere condolences,

Kathie Ruiz

January 31, 2007

Debbie and I played Bunko together for many years and I do believe it was a highlight for her as much as it was for me. A time for friends and a time to relax and forget about everything else! Her eyes would shine with a look of fun and stubborn competiveness and a her laugh was contageous! Her zest for life was the same and that was also contageous! As we found out about Debbie's challenges with her illness and saw the strength in her we all realized how deeply her "Bunko face" was her true heart and soul. What a fighter. We always talked about how we missed her at Bunko each month and now we must miss her for a lifetime. I have learned so much from her about strength, love, tenacity, faith and loyal friendship that she will be with me every step I take. Her strength came from her family. I admire them. I will always look up to her mom as a role model of a great, strong woman with compassion and love for her child that most likely gave Debbie a sense that everything would be OK. Fredi, I love you and hope I can meet such challenges with the strength you have shown.

Ellyn Klein

January 31, 2007

Fredi, Hillel, and Elan -
I have been trying to figure out what to say to all of you to express just how much joy, friendship, and love Debbie brought into so many lives including mine. I suspect you already know. I will always love Debbie and will treasure the memories we shared, but because of all the lives she connected to mine, I still feel her presence. That was her true gift to us all - she gave us each other. Know that my love and thoughts are with you and that I am here if you ever need anything - just as Debbie was always there for me.

Sherry Brown

January 30, 2007

What an amazing person Debbie was! She did so much for so many people, it's a wonder she had any time for herself. Barely knowing me, she welcomed me into her home for one of my first Rosh Hashanas in Dallas, and I automatically felt like I belonged. As always, she shared her home, her time, and her friends. How lucky I am to have known Debbie and been able to learn from her example!

Don and Mary Bishop

January 30, 2007

What a fun and energetic star Debbie was. She was an enthusiastic worker on the Grey Matters Brain Tumor Support Group board of directors. All of our members benefited from her friendship, leadership and her wonderful positive attitude. She will certainly be missed! Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Orlando Varona

January 30, 2007

Dear Fredi, Hillel and Elan,

Debbie was such a special person. Her smile made you feel welcomed. As a guest in her house I felt like I was at home. I will miss Debbie but will always remember her vibrant spirit and wonderful smile.

Anita Pinkerton

January 30, 2007

Debbie was one of the rocks in my world, and one of the truest friends I ever had. She will always be the one who turned the light on for me in so many ways. I count myself among the few who were lucky enough to have known and loved her, and been known and loved by her.

Susan, Jeff, Brayden and Maddie Schwartz

January 30, 2007

Debbie meant the world to us. She had the kindest heart and was an extremely strong person. There was nothing she wouldn't do for her friends and nothing we wouldn't do for her. Every once in a while she would take care of our dog while we went out of town. When we came to pick her up, Maddie didn't seem to care whether she came home with us or not. It shows how welcome Debbie made everyone feel in her presence. We think about the wonderful memories we've had with Debbie every day and she will always have the title of Mahj Queen. Thank you for giving us such a wonderful person and we hope you find some comfort in knowing that we are better people because we knew Debbie.

Susan Feldman (Matthew, Ilanna & Amalfi)

January 30, 2007

I wanted you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Debbie was a wonderful person with a lot of courage. She was a wonderful sitter to my little girl, Ilanna. She always knew how to calm her down when she was crying. She was also wonderful with our big dog Amalfi. Debbie will be an everlasting memory in our hearts!

Jenny, Larry and Charles Lachman

January 29, 2007

Debbie holds a special place in all of our hearts -- she initially started out as our very first babysitter, whom Charles absolutely adored, and quickly progressed to being a close friend as well. I in particular will always remember her optimism, her friendliness and her generosity. Debbie was the kindest soul I have ever known. We are so sorry for your loss, and please know you have our deepest sympathies.

Karin & Tamir Zaltsman

January 29, 2007

Debbie will be greatly missed by our family. She was a wonderful friend and a excellent babysitter to my girls, Emily & Sarah. I only knew Debbie for two short years, but I loved having her at my home to take care of my girls because I knew they were in great hands. May she continue to watch over my girls. Our prayers are with her family at this time.

Allan Katz (and Jackie and Meryl)

January 29, 2007

Dear Fredi, Hillel and Elan,
Debbie touched my life like she did so many others, by making me feel welcome in her circle of friends. Debbie had a unique way of bringing people together. I will miss Debbie, but I will remember her through the people she connected me with.

Paul Croteau

January 29, 2007

I loved Debbie like the sister I never had. Even though she's six years younger than me she could easily play the 'older' sister role. I'm known for getting a little crazy at times... but one glance from Debbie with that 'look' was enough to bring me back in line. (I think she gets that from Fredi Debbie's smile is straight from her daddy, that's for sure.)

Debbie and I were good friends, we were close at graduate school at Texas A&M and grew closer over the years. We were on the phone with her when she had her second attack of the tumor... it affected her speech. Sue called 9-1-1 while I drove across town to check on her. I was also with her at the hospital when she was first told by the doctor that she had a tumor. I saw the x-ray and saw the gray foggy area -- I knew it wasn't good. The doctor was fairly matter of fact about it and Debbie cried. I held her hand while she wept on my shoulder. I've never told anyone about that until now... it was a tough moment, something I wasn't expecting and I'm sure Debbie felt the same way.

However, I choose to hold on to the happier times. Debbie keeping her crazy teammates in line at A&M; wearing that silly cow costume at our annual Boo Bash; swimming at her apartment with Anita; Deb, Anita and Sue spooning on our papasan. What I remember most is her gorgeous smile. Ear to ear, it made her eyes crease. It made ME smile to see her smile. THAT is what I will cherish forever.

God bless you Debbie, we all miss you so very much.

Mark Bershatsky

January 28, 2007

Dear Hillel, Fredi, and Elan,

I could go on about how special a friend Debbie was, but there is no amount of words that could adequately qualify that. The time that I had with Debbie may have been short, but the memories that I have are vast. I hope to continue to share such memories with you down the road.

Eric Joseph

January 27, 2007

Dear Fredi, Hillel and Elan:

Although no words can really do justice, I just wanted to let you know that Debbie was an amazing person who meant the world to me. Over the few years we have known each other, Debbie found a special place in my heart. She is a true testament to the wonderful family she has and I hope that you may find comfort in the fact that the legacy she leaves behind is her everlasting effect on all those people whom she touched. Thank you for giving us such an amazing person, she will be missed immensely!

Note: Robyn took the photo!

January 27, 2007

Debbie and Missy

January 27, 2007

MICHAEL COTTON

January 27, 2007

DEBBIE WILL ALWAYS BE A SISTER TO ME. IT IS HARD FOR ME TO WRITE ANYTHING ON PAPER, BECAUSE SHE IS IN MY PRAYERS EVERY NIGHT. I WILL MISS DEBBIE DOWN HERE, WITH ALL OF MY HEART!

Kenneth Henson

January 23, 2007

I still have lots of memories of Debbie. One of my favorites was when she wanted to go to Bellaire High School and the only way she could get in was to participate in an agriculture project. She raised a rabbit. I am saddened by her loss and I will miss her.

Tia Carpenter

January 23, 2007

All I can say is that Debbie ALWAYS made me feel safe and at home in support group. She was funny and made me laugh. I loved her and my kids loved her. She will be missed! I love you Debbie!

Robyn Faintich

January 22, 2007

Fredi, Hillel and Elan:
Rmember the "House that Debbie Built" and remember its doors are always open for you to walk through - to get a hug, a reassurance, a listening ear and a shared memory.
We love you!
Robyn Faintich

Kathy, Dave and Dan Smith

January 22, 2007

When you met Debbie it didn't take long to know her. She was so willing to do what ever it took to make things work. Her smile told you she was your friend. She fought hard for all of us at Grey Matters and will be missed so much. God Bless all those that will remember her.

Carol Owen

January 22, 2007

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Weinbaum and family - I was so sorry to hear about Debbie. I heard about the Grey Matters group at a Conference I attended after my diagnosis of a GBM in 9/05. I emailed the group to ask some questions during my time of radiation and Debbie quickly answered back and was very helpful. I started attending the meetings and really enjoyed Debbie's enthusiasm - it greatly helped me - and still does help me get through a lot of days. So sorry for your loss. Debbie was just a delightful person who truly wanted to help others. Sincerely, Carol Owen

Suzann and Grant Benatar

January 22, 2007

Dear Fredi, Hillel, and Elan:
Debbie taught us how to make each day be the best day and how to do it with a smile. She is missed terribly and will never be forgotten nor will all of you. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Chris Newcomer

January 22, 2007

Debbie was a dear friend, who touched my life. She was full of life and love. I am so thankful I had the chance to see her in November. My prayers go out to you.

Mimi Chen

January 22, 2007

I was so sorry to hear about Debbie. Although I did not know her very well or for very long, I really enjoyed the occasions we had to craft together. She had a great creative spirit and enthusiasm for the hobby we shared.

Karen (and Robert) Ranen

January 22, 2007

I have written the Weinbaums privately about how wonderful and amazing Debbie is and how she touched so many people's lives -- including mine. Her mark on the world will be long lived, and we are only so saddened that her time on earth did not match. She lived more in 34 short years than most do in a lifetime! Even weeks later, I (and many of her friends) go to call or email her -- and we all are so saddened... Thank you again to the Weinbaums for giving us Debbie -- you continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.

Bob and Julie Logan

January 20, 2007

We were so sorry to hear about Debbie. Debbie was such a strong person with such a kind heart. She will be missed by all of us but will have a special place in all of our hearts. We send our love to all of the family.
The Logans

Kristi Logan

January 20, 2007

I am deeply saddened about Debbie. She was like a true sister to me and meant so much in my life. I remember her sweet smile, kind eyes, amazing sense of humor and her knack for french braiding my hair. Debbie, you are deeply missed. I love you dearly and always will.

Ali Zakhireh

January 17, 2007

Hillel, Fredi, and Elan,
I am very sorry for your loss. I was very fortunate to have Debbie in my life through high school, college, and the years beyond. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.

Darryl Mitchell

January 15, 2007

To the parents & family of Debbie. My families thoughts are prayers go out to you during this time. Debbie & I worked together in Dallas for General Mills. My you find strength in knowing that she is in a much better place w/out pain.

Laura Berk

January 6, 2007

Dear Fredi, Hillel, and Elan, We are cousins, just as the Koretzkys are to you. I was so saddened to be notified of Debbie's death by Susan K. I learned so much about this talented, vibrant, giving, and brave young woman from reading her obituary and from what Susan told me about her. Heartfelt condolences, you have lost a treasure. My sympathetic thoughts are with you.

Bill Eisenberg

January 6, 2007

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Susan K. called me and told me on their way to Houston. I am sorry I never knew Debbie, but I am sure she was a great person who showed a lot of strength and courage.
My best to all of you.

Aimee Ash

January 5, 2007

My deepest sympathies go out to the Weinbaum family. I will always remember Debbie for the incredibly positive person she was. I will remember Debbie playing softball and enjoying a knosh at the Carnegie Deli in New York. She will be missed by all that knew her.

Dusty Goucher

January 5, 2007

Debbie is and forever will be my inspiration to a life more full of joy and love and compassion. In life she gave me unconditional love and taught me patience and foregiveness. In death, she has already taught me so much more and I am certain she will continue to pave my path through this life. As my heart aches, I can only imagine the grief that you must bear at this time. I love you.

Shelley Bannerot

January 5, 2007

Fredi, Hillel & Elan
I am so sorry for your loss. Debbie did have such an incredible sense of humor that kept me quite entertained during our years in college and graduate school together. When I think of her, I see a smile with shiny eyes.

Chad and Linda Farber

January 5, 2007

We are so sorry to hear of Debbie's death. We were fortunate enough to be able to have known Debbie from high school and then through college. Our paths haven't been crossing much since then, but the occasional time we have spent together has been memorable for Chad and I and our 2 children. She always kept a smile on her face and love in her heart. We will miss you, Debbie.

Sandra Elizalde

January 4, 2007

Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. Debbie will be missed by many. I have always appreciated the kindness, hope and generousity Debbie and so many others at
Grey Matters Support Group have given to me over the years. Those are the memories I will take with me.

Brenda Dixon

January 4, 2007

Fredi, Hillel, and Elan,
I have just read the guest book entries, and I have learned much about Debbie. What a remarkable person she was in sickness and in health. She rose to the top in every instance of her life. Even with her illness, she found ways to lead and to set an example for others. I am humbled by her wisdom. She lived a life to be proud of. She was nourished and sustained by you, her family. I know you will be able to gain strength from knowing that her's was a life well lived, however short. She will always be alive in your hearts.
Love,

Jay Duhon

January 4, 2007

I find words difficult at the moment missing Debbie. There are so many people that she touched and in so many ways. She will always be a part of us, not remembered for how she fought her tumor but how she lived.

Valerie Beardsley

January 4, 2007

My sincere condolences to Debbie's family and those close to her. I was inspired by Debbie's optimism, smiles and genuine caring for other people, from the first time I met her 7 years ago. She gave hope to my daughter, then fighting her own battle with a brain tumor. Debbie made a positive difference in so many lives. She lived with genuine and loving purpose.

Mike Fuller

January 3, 2007

Mr. and Mrs. Weinbaum, please accept my condolences on your loss. I am so glad that I was able to visit with you and Debbie during the holidays. I will always have a special bond with Debbie because we have fought the same fight and we gave each other support through the years. She is loved by many and I will never forget her for what she meant in my life. God bless.

Steve & Karen Kuryla

January 3, 2007

We are saddened to hear of our dear friend's passing but know she is in a better place. She was such an inspiration to us all in the Grey Matters North Tx BT Support Group, and her fighting spirit and smile will be missed. Our deepest sympathy to Freddie, Hillel & Elan and we will keep in touch. Bless you all.

Lisa Johns

January 3, 2007

Mr. and Mrs. Weinbaum
I am in shock. I had no idea that the cancer had come back. Debbie will remain for me the beautiful, smiling, fun loving person I knew her to be. I cherish the memories from A&M and the part she played in my life since then. I will miss her. My prayers are with you and your family. May God hold you all in is grace and peace.

Shelli Kozberg

January 3, 2007

Dear Hillel, Fredi and Elan~
I am so very sorry that Debbie lost the fight that she fought so hard and long. Life can be unfair sometimes and I can't think of anything more unfair than having to say good-bye to such a vitally bright and beautiful young woman. Debbie was clearly a daughter and sister to be proud of and I hope her love and spirit gives you comfort in the coming days, weeks and months. I regret missing the service and being able to give ya'll hugs but please know that I am thinking about you with love and sympathy!

John & Judy Hoffman

January 3, 2007

We are so sorry for your loss. We were blessed to have known Debbie and to have worked with her at Grey Matters North Texas Brain Tumor Support Group. We are thankful to have been friends with such a beautiful and loving person. We will sorely miss her, but know that we now have a Guardian Angel in Heaven watching over us.

Megan Osborne

January 3, 2007

I only knew Debbie for a short time through the Grey Matters Support Group but she touched my life with her caring and loving spirit!

Jonathan Drescher

January 2, 2007

I don't know what to say other than that this news is very sad and that I pray for debbie. I also hope the family is doing well and I send my prayers to all of them

Michele & Matthew Rawson

January 2, 2007

Matthew and I were so saddened by the news of Debbie's passing. This is a tremendous loss to all who knew and loved Debbie, such a special, sweet young woman. We will remember her gracious, poised demeanor in spite of all the trials she faced in recent months. God bless her . . . and God bless her loving family.

Cecily Chetlin

January 2, 2007

My husband David and I are so sad to hear that Debbie has passed on. We had the good fortune to meet Debbie in college. We were all members of a service organization, and Debbie was my husband's "little sister." After graduation, we were again lucky that Debbie's path led her to the Dallas area and into our neighborhood. We will always remember Debbie's perpetual smile, zest for life, willingness to try new things, desire to serve others, and true and deep friendship. She will live in our hearts.

Lanie Rose

January 2, 2007

As we watched Debbie and Marnie fight their heart-wrenching battles with this unrelenting disease, we prayed so ardently that Debbie would be one of few lucky ones. She fought so hard and so courageously to live, but brain cancer doesn't care. We are terribly saddened by the death of such a bright, lovely, vivacious, and caring young woman. May your family find the strength to endure this terrible tragedy. May her memory be a blessing.

Trish Mercer

January 2, 2007

Debbie was my hero and I'm so proud and lucky to have known her. She leaves the world a better place. Thank you Debbie!

Myles Rose

January 2, 2007

My condolonces to the Weinbaum family.I'll always remember how whenever I saw Debbie, no matter if it had been years since the last time I saw her, she always had this great big grin on her face. She will be missed.

Hilton Prejean

January 2, 2007

I'm very proud to have known Debbie. She made this world a brighter place with every step she took. May God Bless and Hold Her
My Sincere Condolences

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