Deborah Ann Hayden

Deborah was born into a Navy family at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego, California on February 2, 1960. She was the oldest daughter of Jim and Nancy Gosnell’s four children. Jim, Debbie, Linda and Mike were a tight knit family that were grateful for their blessings and opportunities. Deb grew up in Linda Vista Navy housing, and later in the first home the family owned in Mira Mesa. There were many fun events growing up, such as Mom loading four kids and neighbor kids into the Chevy station wagon and spending the day at Ocean Beach playing in the sand and water, collecting sand dollars and shells to bring home. There were weekly trips to the Naval Training Center to take swimming lessons on Saturday mornings for years, which taught everyone how to swim safely. The family was blessed to live in San Diego and enjoyed visiting family in Colorado as well as taking visitors to Tijuana, Sea World, the Zoo and Wild Animal Park and Disneyland to enjoy the tourist sites.

Debbie loved going to the beach and riding boogie boards. She liked to sing on the cassette tapes that the family recorded to send to Dad in Vietnam. She had artistic talent that developed into a lifelong passion for crafts and making gifts. Deb did well in high school and excelled at rifle shooting on the Madison High School Varsity Army Junior ROTC Rifle Team where she earned her Letterman’s jacket and was a key member and contributor to team winning the General Stillwell Trophy for best Army Junior ROTC in San Diego in 1976. Debbie was the 2nd Attendant to the Queen in JROTC in her sophomore year, 1st Attendant to the Queen of JROTC in her junior year, and Queen of JROTC in her senior year. Additionally, she made her own satin ball gowns each year. She enjoyed the social aspects and friendships of high school and hanging out with friends. Later in life she loved to listen to and dance to country music.

Deb cherished spending time at Cantamar, Baja, Mexico at the family home that was so much fun to visit in the 1980’s. Time spent enjoying the sand, ocean, boogie boarding and Mexican cultural experiences built a lifetime of great memories. Time with family and friends and multi-family group dinners were wonderful experiences, filled with laughter and love for everyone. There she met her husband Gary, later marrying and adopting their son, Gary Phillip. Gary is now a family man serving his church, doing freelance photography and a video business. Gary is married to Vanessa, they have been blessed with children Leia, Teddy, and Esmeralda, that Deb cherished. The grandkids loved Grandma Deb as they affectionately called her! She lived most of her adult life in Costa Mesa and enjoyed being so close to Gary and his family in Fountain Valley in her final years as Grandma Deb.

She had a self-made successful career that started working in Civil Service for the U.S. Navy at 32nd Street Naval Station Supervisor Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair while attending community college. She received awards for outstanding service in this role. Later Deb found her niche and superpower as a cardboard box sales specialist with Temple Inland and

International Paper, where she became the number one salesperson in California. She personally handled the largest and most challenging customers. Deb had arraigned for the family to tour the production facility. It was fascinating to see the process of making cardboard boxes that today are the backbone of receiving packages from online shopping.

Her son, Gary, was the center of her life. She dedicated her time to supporting him throughout his childhood and high school years. She encouraged his many activities, where she was the soccer coach in his younger years, and cheered him on in his wrestling and other activities through high school. Deb was so proud of all that Gary had accomplished in his life. Deb enjoyed photography and Gary inherited that love and passion. Deb was dedicated to everyone in the family. She decorated a Christmas tree and took it to the grave site of her brother Michael every year. Mom was her rock that she leaned on during her life and gained inspiration to overcome challenges, and she knew that Mom believed in her.

Deb loved family events like Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. She helped to decorate her parent’s house and tree. She found joy in organizing the opening of presents and seeing the wonder in the family’s many grandchildren’s eyes on Christmas morning. She was a strong believer in God and appreciated her blessings despite her health challenges.

Deb crotched, knitted, embroidered, painted, and helped Dad with his many craft hobbies sharing her beautiful creations with the family. She made Afghan blankets for people, blankets for babies, embroidered Christmas trees and linens, placemats, shells and so many other beautiful crafts. She was happiest when creating gifts for others.

Deb’s years in retirement were spent with family and working through health challenges, while continuing her crafts. She left us way too early in life, but we are so grateful for her love, her joyful personality, her contributions to our lives and support for family members. We have wonderful memories we will carry with us as we celebrate her life. She has gone to Heaven to be with Mom, Michael and other family members who have gone before us.

Deb was predeceased by her mother Nancy and brother Michael. She leaves behind her beloved son Gary, his wife Vanessa, their children Leia, Teddy and Esmerelda, her father James Gosnell, brother Jim Gosnell, sister Linda Vydra, and their families.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at El Camino Sorrento Valley Memorial Mortuary at 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92121 on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 10:30. Interment to follow.

May Debbie rest in God’s peace in Heaven. She has been reunited with family and friends. Deb is sending God’s blessings to everyone.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your favorite charity in honor

of Deborah A Hayden.