Debra (Debi) Lynn (Mendelsohn) Martinez

Debi passed away on August 10, 2024, after a short illness. She is survived by her daughter, Alissa Holmberg (Stuart), and her granddaughters, Addison Cooper and Liliana Holmberg. She’s also survived by her mother, Valerie Mendelsohn, and her stepmother, Donna Mendelsohn, and is preceded in death by her father, David Mendelsohn.  In addition, her brother Howard Mendelsohn (Kate) and stepsisters Robin Lowitz (Ned), Leza Lowitz (Shogo), Lezli Barranco (Ovidio), and their families mourn her passing. Perhaps Max, her beloved rescue dog, is the most acutely aware of her absence.

After her birth in San Francisco, she grew up in the Bay Area and then moved to San Diego to pursue her academic ambitions at San Diego State. She quickly made lifelong friends and treasured her friendships in and around San Diego and beyond. These friendships, along with her strong will and tenacious spirit, guided her through many challenges throughout her life. She made her own decisions and created her own opportunities, raising Alissa and focusing on making a living and her marriages and relationships. Debi relished the calm and reassuring regularity of stability, connections, friends, and family, as well as the excitement of surprises, crises, and drama. In addition to her friends and family, she was particularly dedicated to her dogs, successfully raising several that became close companions and recognized comfort animals, a testament to her caring nature.

With gratitude to Julie Abrams, Pat Berry, Paul Gomez, Marie Lopez, and Helene Rubinoff for their enduring love and support during Debi's life, especially during her last days. Their presence and care have provided comfort and strength for Debi for many years.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to be made to: The San Diego Humane Society - Ways to Give | San Diego Humane Society (sdhumane.org)

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