San Rafael

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough” - Mae West

Debbie Goodman’s unexpected passing at the age of 72 brought to a close a life full-to-overflowing with family, children, friendships, travel, volunteerism, political junkyism, book collecting, and so much more. Her interests were wide-ranging, and very much a measure of the memorable woman, mother, sister-in-law, friend, cousin, and the doting aunt par-excellence she was. Her witty humor and off-the-cuff political asides guaranteed to provoke gales of laughter for anyone within earshot. She may have missed her calling as a political commentator or comedic screenwriter!

Born in Montreal, Quebec, in August 1952, the eldest daughter of the late David and Barbara Deutsch, Debbie grew up in Kentfield with her younger sisters, Suzanne and Amy. Those formative years were framed against the backdrop of the 1960’s, and whose changing times she was not immune to. At an event at her local temple, Debbie’s chosen subject was racial justice and throughout her life she was a regular donor to similar-type causes. After attending Basich Elementary School, she graduated from Redwood High School in 1969 and the University of Oregon in 1974 with a B.A. in English Literature.

Following college, Debbie spread her wings and – with her two closest friends, Joanne and Bambi – decamped to Europe in the summer of 1976 where liaisons of a more lasting nature were forged. In Debbie’s case, it was a chance encounter with a young man on a bus in Israel that led to her working on a kibbutz and nuptials being exchanged in July 1980. Parenthood followed, with daughters - Billie in 1983, and Sheila in 1987.

As a mother, Debbie was the ring-mistress –especially when it came to birthday parties or turning any casual family visit into a memorable or special event. Her over-the-top gifts -such as the Barbie Beach Patrol car she presented to her niece at Charlotte’s third birthday party –was the hallmark of who she was. Debbie could be counted on for her generosity, caring spirit, and her car full of food gifts when visiting her daughters and grandkids. She is also remembered as an accomplished school volunteer and fundraiser.

As her daughters aged, she continued to care deeply for them and their children. Debbie’s grandchildren brought her the most tremendous joy and she was phenomenal at bringing out smiles and laughs in babies as young as 4 weeks old. Her silly voices and skillful ability to bring stuffed animals and books “alive” with character is deeply missed. So are her funny quotes and commentary on shared photos of grandchildren.

Debbie is survived by her daughter, Bille Palencia (Marco), Joaquin, Malcolm and Saoirse; daughter, Sheila Goodman Hughes (Solomon) and their children Daniela, Solomon, and Davis; sister, Suzanne Warner (David), and their children Megan Warner Fitzgerald (Riley), and Joe Warner (Nora); sister, Amy McGeever (Sean), and their children, Matthew, Seamus, and Charlotte; cousins, Ida, Miriam and Sid Greene as well as many other cousins around the world. You know who you are!

There will be a celebration of life honoring Debbie on August 3rd, 2025 in San Rafael at Peacock Gap Country Club from 2-5PM.