Submitted by: John C. Monk

Deborah A. Stewart

April 28, 1949 - Dec. 23, 2009
SOUTH BEND - Debbie Stewart passed away December 23, 2009, in Carlsbad, California after waging a courageous battle against cancer. Debbie was born to Q. Christopher and Elizabeth Krziza, also of Carlsbad (formerly of South Bend), on April 28, 1949, in Indianapolis, Indiana. She affectionately referred to her childhood as being in the Ward and June Cleaver household. Debbie's educational experiences began in a one room school on Indian Lake in Dowagiac which she attended from kindergarten through 8th grade. She graduated from John Adams High School in South Bend, Indiana. Debbie was employed in the accounting field in her earlier career positions. In 1983, she moved to California from Niles, Michigan with the idea of looking after her parents who had relocated there in 1982. Debbie's home, which she shared with her beloved Human Society adopted dogs, Garth and Lilly, was her sanctuary. An avid crafter, she enjoyed decorating, embellishing her surroundings, and creating an impressive back yard garden with her prize roses and specimen plantings. She was a gourmet cook who relished creative recipe deviations to the delight of her friends. In addition to her parents, Chris and Betty Krziza, Debbie is survived by her daughter and son Elizabeth Gibbons and Robert Gibbons III, both of South Bend, Indiana; her sister Victoria L. Krziza-Paquette, brother-in-law Marty Paquette, nephews Chris and Alex Parquette, all of Niles, Michigan; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Ashes will be scattered at Indian Lake, Michigan, her childhood home in the spring. Debbie lived well, loved strongly and laughed often and will always be remembered for her smile.

Published in South Bend Tribune on January 23, 2010