Debra Marie Nash
October 31, 1950 - April 21, 2017
She inspired all of us by her positive attitude, humor and grace
Debra Marie Nash peacefully went home to be with God, surrounded by her loving husband, two of her sons, her sister and other family on April 21, 2017, at age 66.
Deb was born on October 31, 1950 in Hutchinson, Kansas and attended Los Altos High School in Hacienda Heights, CA. In high school she was an avid swimmer and lifeguard. She then attended Cal State Fullerton, and received a B.A. in Business.
In the spring of 1968, Debra met the love of her life, Paul Nash. She fell hard for Paul, and on January 25, 1969, Debra and Paul were married at St. Mathews Methodist Church in Hacienda Heights, CA. The two of them spent 48 blessed years together. Together they had two sons, David and Tom, and adopted a third son, Robert. Over the years Debra and Paul touched the lives of many other kids by being adoptive and foster parents.
Debra held a variety of jobs over the years. She worked at Sears selling carpet and appliances, she was a teaching assistant for the Issaquah School district, a payroll specialist for QFC and Thousand Trails, was an HR specialist for Snohomish County PUD, and worked as a technology innovator for Southern California Edison. Debra excelled in whatever she chose to do, and never would accept “no” or “that is not possible” as an answer.
Debra was active in several churches, including Our Savior Lutheran Church in Issaquah, Issaquah Christian Church, the Fullerton First Christian Church, and most recently the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Everett. She helped put on Christmas pageants, strongly supported the annual bazaar with numerous cupcakes and numerous potted plants. Debra was also a fraternal member of the “Eagles”, an organization known for their charity and help to others.
Throughout her years she had many hobbies including bowling, gardening, stained glass, snow skiing, boating, camping, traveling and square dancing to name a few. Memorable family vacations included trips to Mexico, Hawaii, Europe and multiple trips throughout the U.S.
She battled breast cancer for the last 12 years of her life. Throughout, she had an incredible zeal for life. Though she had to endure many chemotherapy and radiation treatments, and had several other major health setbacks, her spirit and dedication to fighting her disease never faltered. She inspired all of us by her positive attitude, continual plans for the future, humor and grace. She continually strove to go beyond the diagnosis of any single doctor by researching alternative treatments in pursuit of effective solutions.
She is survived by her husband, Paul Edward Nash. She leaves behind three sons and a daughter in law who mourn her passing greatly: David Edward Nash of Everett, WA, Thomas Michael Nash of Port Angeles, WA (Amy Vittoria Tocco Nash) and Robert James Nash of Garden Grove, CA. She leaves three grandchildren: Robert Alexander Rudd, Justin Paul Nash and Ethan Fredrick Nash. She has two sisters, Margaret Rose Keech and Dorothy Ann Keech, and a brother John Tyler Keech.
She was preceded in death by her father, Jack William Keech, and mother, Elizabeth Marie Dellinger Keech.
FUNERAL INFORMATION
A memorial service to celebrate Debra’s life will be held on Saturday, May 6 at 1pm at the Westminster Presbyterian Church located at 2531 Hoyt Avenue, Everett, WA.
DONATIONS
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the "Susan G. Komen for the Cure" charity at the link below.
Donations Link: