Deborah E. (Howe) West, of Loomis, CA and formerly of Nashua, passed away at her home in Loomis, CA on June 20, 2017, with family by her side. She was born in Nashua on December 20, 1956, the daughter of Cynthia M. Howe and the late Alan F. Howe.
Deb was a graduate of Nashua High School, Class of 1974 and resided in Nashua until her marriage to Gordon L. West in 1979, at which time they moved to California. Deb attended Sierra College in Rocklin, CA and received double Associate Degrees of Art in Accounting and Computer Studies and held various administrative positions in these fields. She was the Registrar for the Horizon Charter School District.
The love of her family was Deb’s first priority and they were always number one. She worked and was active in the local schools which enabled her to be at home with her children when they were young. Deb’s faith was very strong and she, and her family attended the First United Methodist Church of Loomis. She was always active in Church services, groups, and whenever and wherever she could help out in any way. At one time, Deb took art lessons from Bob Ross and produced some lovely paintings, though she always denied any talent. Stamping was another hobby which eventually led to Deb teaching classes from her home which she always said was more fun than really “teaching” card making. A love of books started early in her life and she never had quite enough “time” to read as often as possible so joining her Book Club was an added joy to her. Deb’s Bunko group opened up a whole new fun phase and she always enjoyed preparing for the “theme” of each monthly get together, let alone playing the game. Though Deb and her husband were surrounded by California sports teams, Debbie never gave up her love for the Patriots and cheered them on no matter who they were playing, even all the California teams, wearing her team jerseys and hoodies proudly. Perhaps because of her spirit, no one hushed her! Deb also loved the oceans and would visit them (east and west) as often as possible. She loved whale-watching trips and especially sighting the Orcas. Deb and Gordon enjoyed a dream trip to Hawaii and had hoped to return some day.
Memories of Debbie will be held forever in the hearts of her husband, Gordon L. West of Loomis, CA; her daughter and son-in-law, Courtney (West) and Frank Murrietta of Roseville, CA; her son, Staff Sgt. Kellen G. West of El Paso, TX; her mother, Cynthia M. Howe of Nashua, NH; her brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Alan K. and Stephanie B. (Stahl) Howe of Colchester, VT; her nephew and niece, Carter A. Howe and Emily D. Howe; her mother-in-law, Virginia West; her sisters-in-law, Laurie West and Gini West; her niece, Melonie (Mike) and family. Deb is also survived by several cousins and many, many friends. She predeceased by her father, Alan F. Howe and her father-in-law, Gordon L. West, Sr.
A Memorial and Celebration of Life Service was held at the First United Methodist Church in Loomis on July 8, 2017 with a reception following in the Fellowship Hall where family, friends and guests gathered to share wonderful, past moments with, and memories of Debbie. In lieu of flowers, the Family invites those who wish to donate, to consider either the Susan B. Komen Foundation, New England Affiliate, 2000 Commonwealth Avenue Suite 205, Newton, MA 02466 or The American Cancer Society, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701.
