Debra Lee Scafani

Debra Lee Scafani passed away on February 1, 2025, at the age of 73. She was born July 22, 1951, in Compton, CA, to Lester Robert and Evelyn June Bentley (Webb). Her parents separated leaving her mother, Debra and her older brother Dennis. In 1959, her mother married Alfred Joseph Goguen, and she gained another brother, Richard Joseph Goguen, prior to the family moving to Buena Park, CA. In 1961, Alfred and Evelyn welcomed the birth of Debra’s third brother Michael Joseph Goguen, completing their family. Debra loved her childhood, and looked back with fond memories of road trips, camping and beach trips, and love for her family. In high school, one of her closest friends was Cathleen Scafani, who introduced Debra to her brother Louis Glenn Scafani, and they quickly became inseparable. Louis enlisted in the US Air Force shortly before they were married in 1969. Over the next ten years, they welcomed three daughters, Lisa, Christi, and Rita. Sergeant Louis Scafani retired in 1979, and they settled in Riverside, CA until they moved permanently to Hemet, CA in 1989. Life was full, and Debra enjoyed making crafts, reading, sewing, and learning. After attending Bible Study Fellowship in Hemet, CA, she recommitted her life to the Lord and began working in her church thrift store, teaching Sunday School and serving on the worship team. She loved the Lord, and was an avid prayer warrior, bible study enthusiast, and wrote worship songs, as well as poetry. Her heart was filled with love for her husband, her daughters and their husbands, and her 9 grandchildren. Debra had such joy when she was able to spend time with her family. Ever adamant that she wanted a graduation party, where everyone was happy because she upgraded to Heaven, a Celebration of Life / graduation party will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 11:00 am at 412 Church in San Jacinto, California. All are welcome.

Debra was preceded in death by her parents, Evelyn June Goguen (2005), Alfred Joseph Goguen (2022), brother Dennis Eugene Bentley (2022), parents-in-law Louis Paul Scafani (1981) and Marion Ruth Scafani (1999), nephew Dennis Riddle (2005), cousins Claudine (Clemmer) Stahl (1993), and Steven Clemmer (2018) and great-grandson, Joshua Cabrera (2021). She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Sergeant (Ret) Louis Glenn Scafani, her daughters Lisa Rhodes (Daniel), Christi Quintero (Guillermo), and Rita Sealy (Matthew); as well as her nine grandchildren, Christopher Scafani (Abigail), Jordan Rhodes, Bryson Rhodes, Matthew Newsom (Danna), Felina Newsom, Faith Sealy, Annabella Sealy, Noah Sealy, and Isaiah Sealy and great granddaughter Hanna. Debra is also survived by her brothers, Richard Goguen (Lynda), Michael Goguen (Christine); nephews Darren Riddle (Julie), Damon Riddle (Diana), James Goguen, Kevin Goguen, Jeffrey Bentley, Joseph Bentley (Leanne), and Daniel Tighe; sisters-in-law Cathleen Scafani and Mary Lou Bentley; nieces Heather Navarro, Hilary Bentley, Anastasia Marie DeSilva (Lena), Michelle Goguen, and Wendy Pezelet; cousins Miriam Estrine (Scott, Delores, Mia and Jacob), Christine Gill (Carrie), Jim Weiler (Susan), and Doug Weiler (Jean); and many great nieces and nephews.