Deborah Francine HAMMERSTROM

July 31, 1962 - February 24, 2025

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, daughter, sister, wife and friend, Deborah. After several years in remission, an aggressive cancer recurrence precipitously brought her time with us here on Earth to an end. She passed peacefully in her home, surrounded by those who loved her most, on February 24th, 2025.

Born July 31st, 1962, in Spokane, WA, she was the eldest child and only daughter to Sandra Michaelyn (Haspert) Gavras and Air Force Airman James Gavras. In time, she became a fiercely loving sister to her three younger brothers: Jim, Shawn and Eddie. Her childhood was spent traveling wherever the military took them; from Lakenheath, England, to Lubbock, TX, and eventually San Bernardino, CA. In 1979, the family returned to Spokane and made it their home. Debbie graduated from Shadle Park High School in 1980, after which she pursued a fashion merchandising degree from Kinman Business College, while working in the food service industry to make ends meet. Here she met many friends along the way - she reflected often and fondly on her time at McDonalds, Pioneer Pies and the family owned The Something Else Deli, among others. She eventually found a passion in working with children, after becoming a trusted caregiver at the Paulson Daycare Center. While working there for a number of years, she created strong friendships with several of the parents, and often babysat many of their children outside of her time at work.

It was in 1992 that Deborah met the love of her life, Thomas John Hammerstrom. She was instantly embraced by his family, all who absolutely adored her. Tom and Deb married in September of that year, and welcomed their daughter, Victoria Rose Hammerstrom, in March of 1993. Shortly after, Deborah graduated from a medical reception program at SFCC and began her career at Spokane Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic as the switchboard operator. She took so much pride in her role at the company, and had such a strong work ethic, taking on many tasks beyond her job description to immerse herself in all departments. This determination and positive outlook made her a beacon of morale in her co-workers daily routine, shaping the culture of the company during the early years of its inception. Many remember visiting her office; her candy dish was always full, the walls covered from floor to ceiling in postcards sent to her from around the world by friends - with new-age music playing softly in the background.

In her free time, Deborah loved reading romance novels, watching old, classic movies and shows, and listening to Celtic music- her favorites Enya and Loreena McKennitt. She loved lighthouses, English tea with evaporated milk, rainy days and thunderstorms, the history of England and the royal family, and a nice glass of Chardonnay. Above all, she basked in her time with family, and took an immense amount of pride in her daughter, and all of her daughter's accomplishments, as she grew into adulthood. Those who knew her well, know that there were many parts of her life that presented challenges, but she met them each with an incredible resilience - she fought mightily, loved deeply, and wore her heart on her sleeve.

Deborah was preceded in death by her mother, Sandra, brother, Jim, and her darling dachshund, Zipper. She is survived by her father, James; two brothers, Shawn and Eddie; daughter, Victoria; loving ex-husband, Tom; and "grand-puppy," Kimber. Those of us left behind obviously feel that our time with Deborah was far too little. We are, however, grateful for the time we had, and it is certain that she will not be forgotten. She will continue to live on in our hearts, and we find comfort in knowing that we will one day be reunited, and that she is looking after us, in Heaven as she did on Earth.

We will be hosting a celebration of life on Saturday, June 21st, 2025, from 1pm until its natural conclusion. For details, please email DFHmemorial@outlook.com. Deborah will be interred in a beautiful glass niche at Holy Cross Cemetery, inside the South side of the mausoleum. Her niche will be ready for viewing the same day as her celebration of life, after 12pm.

Donations can be made in Deborah's honor to Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery at 2230 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane, WA 99202; (509)-535-3155.