It is with great sorrow the Tidaback and Thorburn families announce the passing of our gracious, talented and incredibly loving wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, sister and friend, Debra (Debi) Lea (Tidaback) Thorburn.

Debi passed away Thursday, September 21, 2023 surrounded by the warmth and love of her husband and family.

Born May 8, 1952 to Donald Wayne Tidaback and Charlotte Emogene (Thomas) Tidaback, Debi was the eldest of six siblings, four sisters and a brother, whom she loved dearly and looked after throughout all their life chapters. She was lovingly referred to as the Matriarch of the family, as she became a mother figure to her nieces, nephews, stepsons and many friends along the way.

In 1974, Debi met the love of her life, Robert MacGregor Thorburn. They were married in 1976 and began a beautiful life together in San Diego, CA.  They enjoyed traveling the United States, hosting family gatherings and creating works of art together.

Debi was an incredibly talented artist. She had an eye for design, form and function. She loved to paint, draw and sew. She enjoyed reading mystery novels and listening to music, and was often singing and dancing along to her favorite tunes.

Debi had a decades long career in commercial real estate and escrow. In 2001, Debi and Robert relocated to Whitmore, CA following Robert’s retirement from San Miguel Fire Department. Debi worked for the County of Shasta, CA for several years before officially joining Robert in retirement in 2017. Together, they enjoyed a slower pace of life surrounded by the hills of Northern California, trees and wildlife. Most recently Debi found enjoyment in painting and crocheting.

Debi is preceded in death by her father, Donald, and mother, Charlotte. She is survived by her husband Robert, stepson Joshua Thorburn (Claudia Sanchez) and granddaughter Alina; stepson Jason Thorburn (Ivy) and grandchildren Lindsay and Collin; sister Cheryl Tidaback-Sabala, (Danny), niece Carie Lea Markert (David), great nephew Samuel (Kate), and great niece Charlotte; sister Lisa Brown, niece Aubry Leigh, and nephew Sean David; sister Lynna Niedenfuehr (Thomas) and nephew Erron; brother Steven Tidaback (Cynthia Beck); and sister Tresa Bellairs and nephews Alex and William Bellairs.

Debi will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Her genuine goodness, beautiful smile, and infectious laugh will not be forgotten.

We love you.

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