Deborah Villas Dash

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St. Helena High School University of Alaska Fairbanks

Deborah Dash Obituary

Deborah Villas Dash

Nov. 18, 1949 - April 18, 2023

NAPA - Deborah Villas Dash, 73, of Napa, passed away unexpectedly on April 18, 2023.

Debby was a 1967 graduate of St. Helena High School. Deborah and her four siblings, Mother and Father, lived in Germany, Japan, and Hawaii as her Father Frank was a Captain in the US Army. Later in life, she earned her B.S. in Journalism from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and pursued her passion for writing.

Deborah lived each day with an unmatched fervor for adventure, fueled by her curiosity. She had an insatiable appetite for knowledge and truly revered the planet and all its living things which is why she was a California Naturalist. If you knew her, you were aware of her love of birds, bees and bugs. One of her many nicknames was Queen of the Trees.

There was love in everything she did: the plants she grew, the birdhouses she tended to, the amazing meals she prepared, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches wrapped just so, in wax paper... Let's not forget about the music she jammed to on the daily. It wouldn't be long before she pulled you off of the chair to dance when she heard a song she loved. She touched and genuinely connected with people because of her open and absolute good heart.

Dear to her, was her Mexican heritage and deep roots in the Napa Valley, which started in the early 1920s on Zinfandel Lane with her grandparents, Apolonio and Sophia Padilla.

Awaiting her is her husband, David Dash; brothers: Frank and Michael Villas; and grandson, Isaiah Glover. She is survived by her mother, Frances Brady; sisters: Patty and Carol Villas; daughter, Heather Kelly; son, Howard Glover; and grandkids: Mira Kelly and Tyler Erickson.

There will be a Celebration of her Life in late May at her home.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Napa Valley Register on Apr. 28, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Deborah Dash

8 Entries

Greg Ely

November 1, 2023

Hot chocolate and wildflowers overlooking Napa Valley.... last time I saw her

David Liebersbach

October 31, 2023

I did not know Deborah, I did not know she was the wife of David Dash, I did not know that David had passed so many years ago. I worked with David for many years (1980-1996) of firefighting in Alaska and the western U.S. and knew him to be one or the finest people I have ever known. Deborah must have been the most wonderful person in the world to have been the love of David. I so wish I would have known Them-they were two beautiful people-and the world is less with their absence, but they will always be with you in soul. Deborah and Dave, you are together and we celebrate you.

dave l.
([email protected])

Greg Ely

May 10, 2023

I've known Deborah for over 40 years, both here and in Alaska and have had many good times together. Intensely alive and living in the moment. The world is a smaller place without her............I will miss her. It was great just knowing she was in the world.

Barbara Dash

May 9, 2023

I was so saddened to learn of Debbie's passing. She was a wonderful sister-in-law, and a dear friend. Always with a smile and an open heart. Our times together were always a wonder. Be it at the beach or walking through the woods, Debbie brought her knowledge and sense of adventure. I will miss her. My prayers and thoughts are with the family.

Donalee Oswill Shackelford

May 2, 2023

So sorry to hear. I remember Debbie fondly. She was a beautiful free spirit. Remembering good times in Pope Valley. Lots of love to Fran, Carol, Patti and her family. Just sad.

Friends of Galena Zone

May 1, 2023

Debby was a wonderful wife to our Alaska firefighter friend, David Dash. She cared for him during his long illness and I was so happy to see her flourishing back in her home country. Such fabulous photos and information about the California hill country, she shared! She was a member of the Friends of Galena Zone Facebook group and I had hoped we could entice her up to Ft. Worden, WA, for our 3rd Occasional Reunion this August. It is clear from the loving and eloquent obituary that many knew and loved her. Rest in Peace, dear Debby. Heartfelt condolences to her family. F Margo Hornback

Rein and Janet Plakk

April 29, 2023

So sad to hear of Debbie´s passing. We saw her almost daily on her walks to the park. We are her sidewalk friend living on Patricia Drive. She was a very sweet lady.
Rein and Jan

Lindsey Bracco

April 28, 2023

To the Family, Debby was a sweet and beautiful lady. I'm so sorry for your loss. Will be praying for peace, love & joy of your memories of Debby. Sincerely Lindsey White Bracco

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