Deborah Renee Wade

Deborah Renee Wade

September 10, 1967 - March 17, 2024

Debbie was born in Richmond, CA to Thomas Lee Wade and Carol Ann Cattron Wade. She moved to Washington with her family when she was almost 4 years old to be close to her mother’s family on Whidbey Island. Debbie remained in the area and lived there most of her life.

Debbie loved to travel and had a gift for languages. She spent her junior year of high school in Germany as an exchange student and graduated from Marysville Pilchuck High School in 1985.

Debbie was baptized in college and remained committed to her faith throughout her life. She went on to get her Bachelor’s degree from Western Washington University and became a history teacher.

She began her career substitute teaching before moving on to teach in Mattawa for a short time. After leaving Mattawa, Debbie joined the Peace Corps and was among the first group of teachers sent to Kyrgyzstan.

In addition to Germany and Kyrgyzstan, Debbie traveled to many other countries including Afghanistan, India, Thailand, Israel, Belize, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, Finland, Greece, France, Luxembourg, Holland, Switzerland, England, Ireland, and Scotland. She learned some Spanish in Guatemala and she was even charged by an elephant once in Ghana.

After her return from the Peace Corps, Debbie taught at Cascade, Eisenhower, and the Everett Alternative High School. She later completed her Master’s degree and became a counselor at Cascade High School, eventually working her way to the head of her department. She coordinated scholarships, taught about women’s rights, and worked as a union representative for her school.

Debbie was not married, but she raised foster girls for five years when she was living in Arlington. She loved her family, her friends, her dogs, and her books. She volunteered in her community and was passionate about promoting rights for women and girls. She saw the world and found beauty in people. She lived a full life, inspired others, and touched many lives. She will be greatly missed.

Debbie was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Wade. She is survived by her mother, Carol Cattron Wade, and her step-mother, Mary Ellen Wade. She is also survived by her brother Thomas Wade (Ashley), her nieces Amanda Wade and Kaitlin Wade, her step-brother Ed Dobeas (Anna), her aunts Gayle Pancerzewski and Sharon Edwards, and several cousins: Cynthia Pancerzewski (Betty), Robert Edwards (Brian), Randy Edwards (Shayne).

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, April 14, 2024 in Floral Hall at Forest Park 2:00-5:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Debbie’s memory to the National Organization for Women (NOW) or Planned Parenthood.