Deborah Carol Evenich

The eldest daughter of Garnett “Bill” and May Smith, Deborah Carol Evenich was born September 3, 1943, in North Hollywood. She was a loving, devoted and proud mother, grandmother, wife, sister, aunt, teacher and friend. She is survived by her sons Dominic Essoe (Dianne Velasco), Noah Brezel (Rachel Metz Brezel), granddaughters Ramona Metz Brezel and Zoe Metz Brezel, siblings Giana Crispell (Jeff), Christopher Smith, and Patricia Tequida, nieces and nephews Nicole VanMersbergen (Tim), Tony Miller (Ilsa), Otis Smith, Evan Miller, first husband Csaba Essoe, second husband Frank Brezel, her dog Reba and cats Phoenix and Tiger (all in loving homes), and hundreds of extended family, friends and former students. She is predeceased by her parents, husband Albert “Abe” Evenich (2016), and her sweet pooch Pancho. Debbie’s greatest joy in life, she always said, was being with her children and grandchildren.

If one word were to describe Debbie’s life, it would be full; her calendar was always filled in with a wonderful tapestry of activity. She was a member of an amazing number and variety of groups, traveled the world exploring, learning and performing, and continually added to her delightful village of friends. Debbie majored in French at the University of Washington, and became fluent in French and Spanish, which served her well at home and abroad. She lived for a time in Switzerland and volunteered for the Peace Corps in Puerto Rico in the mid-60’s. After earning her teaching credential at California State University, Chico, Debbie specialized in early childhood education—Head Start, Kindergarten and First Grade. She thrived as a bilingual educator and taught English as a Second Language to both adults and children. She was revered for her superb teaching of essential academics as well as life skills.  

Debbie was an intrepid retiree! She volunteered as garden coordinator at the Wilson School in Petaluma, and participated in the AARP Experience Corps Literacy Program for grades K-3. She was active in fundraising with her walking group North Bay Streetwalkers, joining multiple Susan G. Komen 3-day and Relay For Life events.

What brought Debbie endless joy was dancing and performing with the renowned Bay Area folk dance troupes Westwind International Folk Ensemble and Jubilee American Dance Theatre. She also enjoyed dancing with Scandiadans and Kopachka, and at the wonderful Mendocino Folklore Camp. She attended camp since the mid 80’s and served as a co-director for 17 of those magical years. Among her many creative talents, she was accomplished in quilting, knitting, sewing, crafting, cooking and gardening. She carefully remembered her family and friends’ special occasions, sent handmade cards to mark them, and often lovingly made a quilt or other crafted item to become a treasured gift.

Debbie mastered the art of living, and giving. She will be remembered around the globe by so many as loving, kind, generous, compassionate, courageous, clever, witty and joyful. She inspired friends to dance and serenade (3 times!) outside her window during hospice, and received over 50 messages of love on video within two days. A former Kindergarten student, now a teacher, said of her—“You taught me how to read, be kind to others, and even how to dance.” Her soaring spirit will live in our hearts, and her laughter will ring in every hall!