Debra Marie Schraeder, 72, of Chehalis, passed away at home in the loving arms of her husband, Phil, fulfilling a promise at the onset of her illness to not be institutionalized and to remain in her own home.
Deb was born in August of 1953 to Cecil and Evelyn Bridges, joining her brother Jim to complete their family. She was predeceased by them, in addition to her grandmother Bea (Nana) Robbins, infant son Jeramy, and her in-laws Adrian and Mary Jeanne Schraeder.
Deb is survived by her devoted spouse, Phil, with whom she shared more than 52 years of marriage. She leaves behind her son Chad and grandson Justin of Graham, Washington. Though she never had a sister herself, she was welcomed into the Schraeder sisterhood, joining Phil’s seven sisters, one of whom we lost in February 2025, Sharon Gober, plus the Bridges side and a large contingent of Schraeders.
Deb’s passion, besides our grandson, was being a hair stylist. From her high school years, Deb wanted to do hair. Deb was so proud of the people she met and served and became friends with for life, only retiring after 37 years when health issues forced her to stop. Deb worked with so many great ladies, and though working all day together, they still socialized, played cards, camped, and treated them all like family. Through thick and thin, you could always count on Deb for food, labor or an ear to listen.
She so loved seeing her clients, having served three generations of some of them. On most of our shopping trips, she would suddenly leave my side, hurrying over to give someone a hug, much to my embarrassment. Fortunately, she was right every time, but I didn’t know them all. She didn’t always remember their names, but faces — she was never wrong. Deb also wanted to help all through Chad’s school years. She was volunteering for whatever was needed, especially fundraising. Most of that group of ladies are still her most cherished friends, something she never forgot.
After our parents’ passing, Deb and I enjoyed snowbirding in Surprise, Arizona, making new friends from throughout the states and Canada. After being diagnosed with dementia, we sold our condo and returned full time to our home in Chehalis, where, with the help of the angels from Catholic Community Services and Assured Home Health and Hospice Centralia, Deb was treated to the most compassionate and loving care we could find. Many I will always be indebted to and count as friends. THANK YOU ALL. YOU ROCK.
In life, Deb was the gentlest, kindest person I’ve ever known, and even as her illness progressed, that never changed. She so enjoyed her girl trips, either for the occasional trip to a casino or just out doing girl things, both here at home and in Arizona. She so looked forward to our Taco Tuesdays and Friday nights out with friends at Garbe’s. She so loved the hugs and flirting with Ed, a dear friend who shared the same disease. Ed passed two years before Deb, but that’s one thing about her disease — she didn’t know who we lost.
There will be a memorial Mass on June 5 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 6th St., Chehalis, followed by an Inurnment at Claquato Cemetery, Stearns Road, Chehalis, then a luncheon at Adna Grange on Dieckman Road, Adna, Washington.
In lieu of flowers, please make your donations to Seattle Children’s Hospital or dementia research through the charity of your choice.
