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Debra Jo Glaister

FUNERAL HOME

Chapel of the Highlands

194 Millwood Drive

Millbrae, California

Debra Glaister Obituary

Debra Jo Glaister After fighting an almost four-year battle with cancer, Debra left this world peacefully on the evening of Thursday January 8th, 2009. She was surrounded by clergy, friends, and her three children at Coming Home Hospice, SF, CA. Debra was born to the parents of Muriel and the late Dr. Joseph Glaister. Debra attended the University of Northern Alabama and had a passion for the sciences. She moved to California in her late twenties where she met her former husband, Hale Tolleth III. Debra devoted her life to her three children, and had a unique love for each one. Debra found her true calling as a patent agent. She mentored and inspired many of her colleagues. She is survived by her three children: Leah Glaister, Allen Tolleth, Robert Tolleth; her grandson, Dylan Murray; mother, Muriel Glaister; sisters, Sherri Hendrix and Melissa Glaister; brother, Jerome Glaister; nieces, nephews and former husband, Hale Tolleth III. Debra enjoyed life and cherished every moment of it. She was a loving mother, devoted friend, avid swimmer, lover of the outdoors, and courageous cancer patient. Most of all, she was a compassionate person who loved to help those in need. She will be greatly missed by everyone she helped or encountered. A special thanks to the supportive staff of Coming Home Hospice and Pathways for accommodating Debra in her final days. We hope that everyone can join us in the celebration of her life. A Viewing will be held Friday, January 16th at 6pm at Chapel of the Highlands, located at 194 Millwood Drive and El Camino Real, Millbrae, CA 94030. The Funeral will be held Saturday, January 17th, 12:45 PM at Debra's church of worship, Saint Andrews Episcopal Church at 1600 Santa Lucia, San Bruno, CA 94066. Interment will follow at Skylawn Memorial Park, San Mateo. There will be a reception at the Church following interment. Please make any memorial contributions to: the Glaister-Tolleth education fund through Wells Fargo Bank, 1001 Broadway, #1, Millbrae, 94030. The account number is 5764526322.

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Jan. 14, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Debra Glaister

14 Entries

Melissa Glaister

April 12, 2009

for my Beloved sister.
Today is Easter and it is hard to know that many holidays will come and go without you.
even though adult life found us in different parts of the country those bonds we had as girls in Alabama can never be broken nor the memories forgotten.
I was the little sister you took by the hand and told amazing stories to.
those days were good days for us.
I know that you were taken too young
but I also know that you are with the Risen Christ and with our beloved Father and brother.
God Bless you until we meet again.
rest in peace Melissa Jane Glaister

Bill Boone

February 5, 2009

I think that I used to sing beside Debra's grandfather, Dr. Glaister, who ran the lab at Florence Clinic in Florence, Alabama in the 50s. I never got to know the family or Debra however. Dr. Glaister and I sang tenor next to each other in the choir of First Presbyterian Church of Florence.

Condolences to the family at the passing of Debra. God Bless, Bill Boone, Knoxville, TN

Niki Sammut

January 16, 2009

Everything your mother touched was turned to gold; I would know, she touched my life as well as my family's, and we are deeply sorry for your loss. She had a good fight, lived an a m a z i n g life, and I know she's in a better place. May angels lead her in, and keep her soul at peace for eternity. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always. RIP.

angelina mcnaughton

January 16, 2009

your mom was so amazing. i'm so sorry this had to happen to such an amazing family. i'm thinking of you guys always.

Merethe and Robert Dyer

January 15, 2009

Dear Leah and Family,

My family is deeply sorry for your loss. Know that your mother is in peace now and is smiling down on all of you as her loving children. She was proud of all of you!
Love Merethe, Bob and Brogan Dyer

Karen (Layman) McDonald

January 15, 2009

Debbie was a wonderful professional mentor of mine at Pennie & Edmonds. I appreciated her intelligence, guidance and kindness. I was deeply saddened to hear of her passing. I had the chance to meet her kids in the office several years ago. My sympathies and blessings to her family at this difficult time. Debbie touched my heart with her personality.

Beth Sharifi

January 15, 2009

My thoughts and love go out to Leah, Allen, Robert and Dylan. You are all very special to me. Thank you for being a part of my life.
Beth

kelly ozorio

January 14, 2009

Dear Leah, Allen, and Robert,
Your mom was so special. She will always be remembered with love at Lomita Park, as will all of you. Love always, Kelly Hardy Ozorio

Allen Cox and Family

January 14, 2009

Our thoughts are with you.

Amanda Glaister

January 14, 2009

Aunt Debbie is forever beautiful in eternity with a perfect and cancer free body and a wholeness we cannot comprehend. Death has lost its sting. This knowledge does not make her passing less painful. She is my father's sister and my aunt. Although I grew up geographically far from her, I could have conversations with her as if she lived next door. After Dad's accident, her logic and reason took over my lack of both and impulsiveness. I miss her compassionate heart, her ability to tell me truth I needed to hear with grace and love. Shortly before I knew she was sick, we had some conversations and heartfelt talks about the family and life in general. With Aunt Debbie, it was not so much the quantity of time spent, it was the quality and we are painfully aware of the void. Aunt Debbie, you died too young. Please give loving hugs to Uncle Ira and Grandaddy from me. May you bask in complete joy in the arms of Christ. We will see you again and we promise to always love Leah, Dylan, Allen, and Robert. Your legacy lives on.

Elizabeth Hegarty

January 14, 2009

Our deepest condolences to Robert and his family. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Ruby Tsang-Cheung

January 14, 2009

I am so very sorry for the family's lost. You were a wonderful friend and mother. So giving and loving to all. This world we live in has been a better place because of what you shared and taught to your children and gave to the community at large.

Rest in peace.

Ken, Ruby, Kevin (VIP Special Needs Soccer), and Jasmine Cheung

Richard Fisher

January 14, 2009

Debbie, you are a special and gifted person...in life and beyond. Wish your entire family the strength to understand and live through their loss.

Shari Carruthers

January 13, 2009

You will be missed. You were a solid rock amongst the rest of us mothers.

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