Debra Lee Blackwelder

Debra Lee Blackwelder passed away Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at CHOMP Monterey, at 62 years old. Debra had battled an auto-immune disease for many years, but it was the flu and pneumonia that took her life.

Debra was born April 17, 1957, the third child of Charles and Donna Shaw in Santa Clara, California. She grew up in the Soquel and Capitola areas. She met the love of her life, Jerry, while working in Monterey, Ca. She also lived in Colorado for a while.

She leaves behind her husband of 33 years, Jerry Blackwelder, of Sand City, California. Her surviving siblings, include Charles Shaw Jr. of Hillsboro, Oregon, Cheryl Diggs, Tami Saucedo of Seaside, Oregon, Paul Shaw also in Seaside, Oregon and Chris Shaw of Watsonville, California. She also leaves behind her step-daughter Anna Maher, along with 4 grandchildren, as well as 18 nieces and nephews.

Prior to being overtaken by Fibromyalgia, Debra was a doer. There was no job or problem that she would not take on and accomplish. She was definitely a problem solver. She was known as a fixer. She would fix any problem, right any wrong and stand up and fight for anything she believed in. Most recently Debra became a foster caregiver to a colony of wild bunnies that took over her yard. She named each one. She would be sure to leave them carrots. She loved to watch them.

Although Debra will be missed, we can find comfort knowing that Debra is at peace and no longer suffering. She is with God and all the loved ones that proceeded her in death.

Due to the current pandemic, no services will be held. A memorial service to honor Debra will be planned when the time is right.