Debbie Rae Adamski

The world lost a dear soul on January 2, 2024. Debbie Adamski left to go reunite with her parents and other missed family members who had passed before her. (Uncle Ray was near the front of the line. Even though the rolls in heaven are pretty good, he was so happy to see her!) As the first child of Larry and Lavonne Harwood, born on December 26th, 1955, Debbie was a cherished and sweet girl whom everyone adored. From an early age her love of animals emerged, and she would often come home carrying a cat in her arms or having a dog toddling along behind her. Debbie and her brother, Jim Harwood, spent a fun childhood enjoying living near Lake Huron and spending time with their grandparents in Michigan. The family moved to Washington state in the mid 60’s, eventually settling in Yakima, Washington. In Yakima, Debbie became involved with 4H and horses. This was a passion and interest that stayed with her throughout her life. When Debbie became a working adult, her abilities, knowledge, and compassion made her a sought-after employee. She wore many hats and always did a fantastic job working for, to name a few: Nike, State Farm Insurance, Bechtel and eventually going to work for the City of Tigard near Portland Oregon. In all, Debbie worked 30 + years in service to the City of Tigard, from a phone operator to a property evidence clerk, and finishing out for many years as a Certified Permit Technician in the Building department. She was well respected and liked at her job often being the “go to” person that everyone knew they could count on.

Debbie was fortunate to find the love of her life in 1979. John Adamski and Debbie are a couple who complimented each other perfectly. They shared a deeply caring spirit for their families and were the place to be for family get togethers. There was never going to be anyone going hungry at any event hosted at their house. However, you better bring your competitive spirit because card games played for money were a tradition. The other things you were sure to find at their house were books, plants, and a beautifully landscaped yard. Debbie was always an avid reader. Once she figured out how to download audiobooks you would rarely find her not listening to something (while multi-tasking at something else). Her ability to grow plants and plan out landscapes made their homes always look professionally designed.

After retiring, she was able to landscape from scratch at their new home in the wine country of McMinnville Oregon. The whole place could have been in Better Homes and Gardens magazine. You can’t live in wine country without acquiring an appreciation of the area (and its fruits). Debbie enjoyed wines and wine events at many of her favorite wineries…Bravero, Cana’s Feast, Cougar Crest, Chris James, Kason, Pike Road were a few of her favorites.

We will be with you again Debbie, but until then, the survivors on earth who miss you desperately are: your husband, John Adamski, your sweet fur baby, Phoebe, your brother Jim Harwood and his family; Connie, Katie, Dustin, Henry, Milo, Jake, Ariel, Olivia and Sloane, your sister, Kathy, your daughter, Devlin and her family; Chris, Jordan, Hannah, Claire, and Cody, your brother and sister in laws; Steve, Pete, Debbie, Paula, Ron, Heidi, and their children, Aunt Babe, many cousins from both families and your dear friends Diana, Julie, Becky, and Sharon.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Debbie's name to the ALS Foundation.