Deborah Louise Willard

Deborah Louise Lind Willard found peace as her physical struggles came to an end just after midnight on July 7, 2023 at the age of 71. She was surrounded by her family as she drew her last breath in the comfort of her own bed in Burleson, TX.

Deborah was born in Minneapolis, MN to Harold and Ruth Lind on May 7, 1952. Her adopted brother, Anthony Lind joined the family when she was 14 years old. She graduated from Robbinsdale High School in 1970.

She married David Lowell Willard on August 3, 1973 at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Brooklyn Center, MN. After they were married, the two embarked on many adventures together. They produced four children, took cruises to places like Grenada and The Bahamas, and won an award for the most Norwegian (least spicy) chili. She sang soprano in church choirs, the longest tenure of which was the St. Alphonsus Contemporary Choir. She enjoyed crafts of all kinds, especially painting. Toward the end of her life, she enjoyed cultivating plants, and was especially proud of her Christmas Cactus.

She will be remembered by all who knew her as a woman of great strength, having quietly suffered with Rheumatoid Arthritis for over 40 years, never complaining about it. Through this, she was able to show others how to walk with dignity and grace through chronic pain.

She will be remembered by all who knew her as a woman with the heart of a servant. She was always looking for somebody to serve. She welcomed all into her home and treated them like family. There always seemed to be an endless supply of fresh-cut vegetables, snack foods, and dips for all who visited.

She will be remembered by all who knew her as a woman who deeply loved her family and friends. She was quick to forgive. She was honest. She was a thoughtful gift giver. In every circumstance, she put the needs and wants of others above her own.

Deborah is survived by her husband David, her children – Daniel, Nathan, Melissa Dudley (spouse Parker Dudley), and Nicholas (spouse Katrina Seifert Willard), her grandchildren – Samuel, Allison, Elijah, Hannah, Gideon, Eliana, Gracelyn, Mia, and Madison; brother Tony; and dog Ivy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Ruth Lind and her mother and father-in-law, Theodore and Silvia Willard.

Debbie’s viewing will be held at Lucas and Blessing Funeral Home at 518 SW Johnson Ave, Burleson, TX 76028 on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. The funeral mass will be held at St. Ann Catholic Church located at 100 SW Alsbury Blvd, Burleson, TX 76028 on Thursday, July 13, 2023 at 10:00 am.