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Deborah Shaw Holden
1952 - 2020
Deborah Shaw Holden
1952 - 2020
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Deborah Holden Obituary
October 7, 1952 - November 4, 2020
Deborah Shaw Holden, loving mother and grandmother, sadly passed away in her home at the age of 68. Deborah, also known as Lady Ladybug and Debbie, was born in San Francisco, CA to James and Lorraine Shaw.
Deborah leaves behind two daughters Elizabeth and Justine, along with five beautiful grandchildren Isabelle, Andrew, Kiana, Quentin, and Samantha, whom she adored greatly. She was also a loving foster parent to many young people.
Raised in the city, she attended St. Thomas High School in San Francisco and later received her teaching degree from San Francisco State University. She moved to Santa Rosa in 1987 and taught as a substitute teacher. Later started her own children's clothing store and spent many years working at Form Print Design.
She found her true passion in life was working with Girl Scouts. Deborah played an active role in the community for decades. She worked for Social Advocates for Youth after retiring her position in Girl Scouts.
She has made so many wonderful friends in her life and has impacted so many hearts with her compassion, love and wisdom. Deborah had dedicated her life to helping others and making the world a better place. Needless to say she will be missed by so many.
To honor Deborah her family has decided to wait till spring to have a celebration of life.
Donations may be made in
Deborah's honor to:
Girl Scouts Holiday Bag Program
c/o Shannon McMath
106 Leland Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Checks payable to Troop 10280
Or to:
Social Advocates for Youth
2447 Summerfield Road
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Donnell Holmes Carson
July 27, 2021
oh my heart aches my friend. I only just found out and am so heartbroken. I was just thinking about your loving generous heart - how you saw the need and did everything in your power to fill it. You saw the need for a GS troop at VOM, so you started one; then you saw a need for a GS troop at the girls juvenile hall, so you started one; then you saw a need for a GS troop in the Eritrean community, so you started one; then you saw a need for a GS troop at the homeless shelter and you started one! You saw so many children in need that you would fill the backroom of GS during Christmas with so much stuff for them that it took literally days to sort it all out, every, darn year. I remember you recruiting your ex husband Bill, to be the Santa Claus at the shelter and when you heard a little boy ask for a hairbrush for his mother, you went and found one! The world was a better place with you because you touched the lives of so many and set the bar way high for the rest of us mere mortals! I love you my friend.
Cheryl Kingham
December 12, 2020
Deborah was a true delight with a passion and zest for helping girls and was always happy to share her ideas, skills and talents even with our smaller area up here in Humboldt County. She was dynamic and fun to be with. She will be missed by many in the Girl Scout community.
Kathy Roy
November 27, 2020
Deborah was my dearest friend since junior high school, over 50 years. She was my confident, moral guide, sister of the heart. Our kids and those of Cathy J grew up together, went to pre-school at City Kids, in SF, we shared mothering, marriages, divorces, and LIFE. Thru good times and bad, Deborah was always always there for me. I will miss her every day. A little story: late teens, I didn't know how to drive yet, Deborah and I were returning from a party in Union St. district, thru the Presidio returning to Richmond District where we all were brought up. A patrol car stopped us, Deborah rolled down her window and the officer said "you were speeding" - I leaned over Deborah and said to him, "no, officer, she was only going 45". Well, the limit was 25, he said "with a friend like that you don't need a ticket too!". We were free to go. So many laughs and heart felt moments we shared, how I will miss her.
Diane Simms
November 26, 2020
My condolences go out to Deborah's family during this difficult time. Deborah Holden was a beautiful, fun and happy person! I worked with Deborah in the Girl Scout Retail Store in Oakland, Golden Gate Bridging Events in San Francisco and the One Hundred Fun Hundred Girl Scout Event! Deborah was a very positive person who loved to help people. I will always remember her kind heart and loving ways, she always made me laugh!
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Dolores Reveles
November 25, 2020
I would like to extend my condolences to Deborah’s family. I worked with Deborah at Girl Scouts of NorCal. We both were on the leadership team. Deborah and I became instant friends because we both had a commitment to serve families in low income underserved communities. Deborah had a wonderful spirit and she will be missed not only by those who knew her personally but by the communities she strived to help. Her memory will live in my heart.
Amanda Navarro
November 24, 2020
Deborah was an angel on earth I am so blessed to have know her this community will miss her and her huge heart rest in peace
Linda Aguire
November 24, 2020
De pariah was a ray of sunshine with her giving attitude. If it needed to be done she went for it. She opened up so many wonderful minds in the young women she touched, nothing is unattainable. Our communities have benefited from your generous heart. You will be miss by many. It was a joy knowing you and working with you. May you Rest In Peace.
Glenn Roges
November 23, 2020
Deborah was a wonderful spirit, a kind person and I truly enjoyed working with her during her GSNorcal days. She was always up-beat and had a wonderful "lets get it done" type of attitude. She was a caring soul and my thoughts go out to her family and friends.
Sendy Castillo
November 23, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Leslie Haney
November 23, 2020
Deborah was the most generous person I have ever known. She, willingly and without reservation, gave of her time, talents and resources. I was fortunate to call her my friend and Girl Scout "Sister". I will miss her terribly and our monthly Scrabble/Meal/Conversation times. Among her numerous talents, she was a most formidable Scrabble player.
Rest in Peace my dear friend.
Kathy Place
November 22, 2020
Deborah, one of God’s angels who improved the lives of all she touched through love, hope & just being there when it looked like no one else was. She turned lives around for many in & out of the foster care system, for pregnant teens, demonstrated leadership & taught girls to have fun while striving to be the best they could be and to be there for others.
emma grace fairchild
November 22, 2020
Deborah's passing will leave a hole in our community. While we worked as colleagues at SAY Deborah never faltered in her generosity, love, and goodwill, and I am better having known her. The love for her family was palpable and I hold her daughters and grandkids in my heart as they mourn. Deborah was an amazing woman and an amazing community member. We would all do well to strive to be like her in heart and service. The last time we spoke she brought the folks at SAY homemade corned beef for St. Patricks Day in the throes of a pandemic and we chatted from the cracked window of her car. I know I will miss her and we will forever miss her at Tamayo. Hoping that we all may learn to love and share and be better in her memory.
Marian Billa
November 22, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful woman, friend and ‘forever sister’! We will love you and miss you always.
Rest peacefully my friend!
Marian
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