FREMONT, CA
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| “She Was My Rock in a Storm”
By Randy Fewel |
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“Debbie Anderson was a personal friend of mine. We didn’t see much of each other after I became AAUW president, but she and her husband Larry came to meet Greg Mortenson last year and were generous donors to his cause. That was the last time I saw her. But she’s been so fondly on my mind and in my heart for so many years. She was my rock in a storm. Soon after I met her I got divorced. She was the level head that kept me on track and helped me get through the divorce with civility. After the divorce, I was on welfare, and her family adopted me and my three children for Christmas, bringing us thoughtful gifts and including us in Christmas celebrations at their home for years to come. Debbie was raised as a Jew but she was very ecumenical and loved Christmas. Debbie championed many causes. But the one that makes me smile has to do with the stop sign on Luzon Drive. She was concerned that someone would get hurt and petitioned the City of Fremont to put a stop sign halfway up the hilly street – and they did! That will always be ‘Debbie’s Stop Sign’ to me. Family was her first priority but she found the time to engage in the community and gave of her time, efforts and funds whenever she could. Debbie was determined to get her degree and despite being so involved in raising children, she went back to school and earned a BA. She joined many social causes but her heart went out to children most. She was the co-founder of CAPA (Child Assault Prevention Agency). She brought vital information into schools teaching kids how to be safe, strong and free using an innovative curriculum and puppets because puppets helped to bring children important information in a non-threatening way about child abuse She taught kids to tell someone they trust when a person is hurting them, what to say to a stranger who is bothering them and to shout if they need help. In fact they practiced shouting in class. CAPA was her proudest accomplishment. She was my daughter’s godmother. Debbie made a big difference in my life and her passing leaves a big hole in the hearts of her many friends. A donation from AAUW Fremont Branch will go to the AAUW Education Foundation in her name. Her family requests that personal donations be made to the East Bay Agency for Children, CAPA Program, in her name. Send to: 303 Van Buren Avenue, Oakland, CA 91610.” | |||||
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