Debra Rae McGowen Novato, California Obituary

Debra Rae McGowen

Debra McGowen, age 69, passed away March 8, 2022, in Novato, CA after her courageous battle with cancer. She was born April 26, 1952 in Oakland, CA to John and Barbara (Sacks) Eklund and was raised in Hayward and Dublin. She was a graduate of Amador Valley High School class of 1970. She worked in the banking industry in her early life. She managed her own ceramics business out of her home for many years while raising her three daughters. She later worked in the Dublin Unified School District as a data technician, scheduler and created school newsletters and yearbooks. She retired in 2014 in Sacramento where she took pride in her gardening, home improvement and decorating projects. Debi was a dedicated mother and grandmother. She treasured her family and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as a grandmother and was a woman of great humor and creativity — she loved to organize, paint, refinish old furniture, make floral and holiday arrangements and research family ancestry. Debi is survived by her mother, Barbara Eklund; former spouse, Charles McGowen; daughters, Tracy Cipollina (Claudio), Leanne Brown (Adam), and Amy Burns; grandchildren, Hailey, Joseph, Addison, Jack, Lucas and Jake; brothers, Gary Eklund (Sue), Tim Eklund (Cindy), Jim Eklund (Barbara) and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her fathers, John Eklund, and Fred Eklund; granddaughter, Alivia Lee White; and brother, Charles Eklund. A celebration of life will be held for Debra Rae McGowen on Wednesday, March 16th at 12:00 p.m. at Valley Memorial Park, 650 Bugeia Lane in Novato, CA.
April 26, 1952 - March 8, 202204/26/195203/08/2022
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14 trees planted in memory of Debra Rae McGowen.
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Danny & Stacey Bernardini
March 15, 2022
Dear Tracy and family, We are sorry for your loss. The Trees are a wonderful thought and remembrance! The Bernardini Family.
3 trees were planted in memory of
Debra Rae McGowen
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L
Lots of Love, Wrather Family & Turpin Families
March 15, 2022
Debi McGowen brought so much love, laughter and memories to our lives. She will remain in our hearts forever.
3 trees were planted in memory of
Debra Rae McGowen
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S
Sharon Teater
March 15, 2022
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.

1 memorial tree was planted in memory of Debra Rae McGowen. Plant a tree

L
Linda Cameron
March 15, 2022
I will always remember all the fun times we had throughout the years. Will miss your wit, smile, laugh and your thoughtfulness. Sent with love !

1 memorial tree was planted in memory of Debra Rae McGowen. Plant a tree

D
Dee Dee Myers Hamilton
March 14, 2022
Debi was not only a co-worker but also an extra mom, friend and mentor. She taught me everything that she knew. We shared so many laughs and tears. She loved her family without conviction. I love that she is no longer in pain and that she all her daughters with her when... Continue Reading
A candle was posted for Debra Rae McGowen.
A candle was posted for Debra Rae McGowen.
D
Dee Dee Myers Hamilton
March 14, 2022
I loved Debi as an extra mom, friend and mentor. Thank you for believing in me and supporting me. We often talked about Pine Grove. Trees everywhere!

1 memorial tree was planted in memory of Debra Rae McGowen. Plant a tree

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Tribute Store
March 14, 2022

1 memorial tree was planted in memory of Debra Rae McGowen. Plant a tree

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Debby Vitelli
March 12, 2022
Debi, Was a such a wonderful Grandma to her six Grandchildren. I loved watching her at Christmas Time, with so many gifts for her Little One’s. She made the best cheesecake’s. Cheese balls with Cracker’s and Goodie’s Galore. She was a superior interior decorator, she lik... Continue Reading
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Dee-Ann & Jerry
March 12, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

1 memorial tree was planted in memory of Debra Rae McGowen. Plant a tree

J
Joanne, Nicole, Dani and Kayla Belluomini
March 12, 2022
Tracy, Claudio, Joey and Jack, Our condolences and prayers are with you.

1 memorial tree was planted in memory of Debra Rae McGowen. Plant a tree

L
Leissa Toll
March 11, 2022
I have so many memories with Debi. I grew up going to The Ecklunds house when our parents would play cards and the kids would play. One of the most memorable times when Debi and my sister Linda were teens, and they wore pegged jeans that were so tight Debi had to cut the... Continue Reading
1 comment
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Leissa Toll
March 11, 2022
Sorry I misspelled Eklund!
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Doreen Fletcher
March 11, 2022
I remember Debi coming out to my home in discovery Bay one afternoon. Danny and I were having a party. We were so happy to see her there. We had such a great time with Debi she ended up spending the night. That was the first time I really had a one on one with my cousi... Continue Reading