Obituary of Deborah Ann Yonan Wilson

Deborah Ann Yonan Wilson passed away on July 1, 2011 in Santa Cruz. She was 59 years old. Debbie was born and raised in Modesto, CA. She was born December 19, 1951 to Joel and Alice Yonan. Debbie earned her B.A. and her Teaching Credential at Chico State. She later went to St. Mary's College where she earned a M.A. and an Administrative Credential. During her life, Debbie lived in Modesto, Paradise, Manteca and then Santa Cruz. Debbie had a full career in the field of education. She worked as a teacher, of Grades 1, 4, 7 and 8 in the Empire School District. Debbie was the Principal of both Monticello Elementary School in Manteca and of Live Oak Elementary School in Santa Cruz. In her free time, Debbie liked to ride horses, to ride bikes and go for walks on the beach. She loved to travel, garden, and go to the theatre. She also enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Debbie attended Our Lady Star of the Sea Church and she was a member of the Santa Cruz Horseman Association. She loved to go trail riding on her horse, Ashley. Debbie is survived by her husband of 20 years, Gary Wilson of Santa Cruz, sister, Diane Yonan-Boxell of Turlock, sister-in-law, Elizabeth Ann Wilson of Santa Rosa, brother-in-law Robert Lewis Wilson and his wife Alice of Reno, NV and 5 nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alice J. Yonan who passed away April 20, 1980 and Joel D. Yonan who passed away August 17, 1998, and her nephew Gabriel Wilson. A Mass will be held for Debbie at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 515 Frederick St. in Santa Cruz on Friday, July 8, 2011 at 11:00 am. A visitation will be held at the church on Thursday, July 7, 2011 from 5:30 pm until the Rosary, which begins at 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Debbie's Memory to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123; or Hospice of Santa Cruz County, 940 Disc Dr., Scotts Valley, Ca 95066.