Deborah Lynn Shiba Obituary

DEBRA LYNN SHIBA On Christmas Eve, Sunday December 24th, 2023, at the age of 71, Debra Lynn Shiba a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, and precious mamaw to 11 grandchildren left this world surrounded by family in her home in Chico, California. She left behind a legacy of unconditional love and support, an infectious smile, and unbelievable courage. Debra was born in Sacramento, California on June 15,1952 as the first born to Eleanor and Lawrence Bawden. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, mother and father, 16 week old son Christopher Alan Shiba, son in law, and sister in law Nancy she cared for after the deaths of her father and mother in law. She earned an AA from American River College, BA in Psychology from International College and MA in Counseling Psychology from Sierra University and began working on a PhD. She received Certification in Professional Biofeedback and Professional Support Group Facilitator training. She was a Clinical Associate of the American Board of Medical Psychotherapists, Fellow of the American Academy of Pain Management, and a Licensed Marriage, Family, and Child Counselor. She was a very sought after and highly respected private practice counselor in the Modesto area retiring May, 2015 after 35 years. Debra became a Certified Professional Coach and continued life coaching up until a week before her passing. Debra was a volunteer at Enloe Medical Center and served on the Enloe Volunteer Board of Directors. Unfortunately, Debra and David had to end their relationship in December, 1969 and miraculousy reconnected in July, 1989 and on June 17,1993, she married her high school sweetheart on the beautiful island of Nantucket, MA. Together they raised their blended family of 5 daughters including Debra Marie Salindong of Chico and 3 sons. Debra is also survived by a sister and brother and a sister and brother in law. Debra’s greatest achievement and pride was being an unbelievable mother and wife raising a large family, many times as a single parent. She gave unconditional love, emotional support, and special care to each child and took time from her busy professional schedule to attend their music and sports activities including those out of state or across the country. Debra will always be remembered for her elaborate Christmas decorating and holiday table settings and meals. Debra was an exceptional clarinet player throughout high school and this past summer she began playing with the Chico Community Band, which brought indescribable joy and happiness. Despite her failing health and being wheelchair bound, she endured long hours of practice and performances. She also played piano and cello and two daughters were outstanding flute players, a daughter played exceptional clarinet, a son played piano and cello, and recently Debra taught piano to several grandsons. Debra’s father was an exceptional artist and she inherited his talent of oil painting. Debra loved Disneyland and Disney World and her last Christmas was celebrated with family at Disneyland. She was given a permanent commemorative brick at Disneyland in 2006. Debra requested no public celebration of life. At her request she was cremated and her urn buried with her son Christopher’s urn at the Glen Oaks Memorial Park in Chico on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2024. Debra also requested that her husband David be buried next to her so they can be together forever. Debra requested that the family gather at Pajaro Dunes where the family spent regular vacations and several recent Christmas holidays for a private celebration of life and scattering of some of her ashes into the ocean that she loved.