About Debbie

Deborah “Debbie” Dair
August 2, 1962 – May 22, 2026

Deborah “Debbie” (Carlton) Dair, beloved mother, aunt, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend, passed away on May 22, 2026, at the age of 63 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Debbie was born on August 2, 1962, in San Jose, California. At the age of two, she moved with her family to Lockport, Illinois, before returning to California at age ten and settling in the South Bay, where she would spend much of her life.

Debbie was preceded in death by her father, Earl Carlton, and her brother, Mike Carlton. She is survived by her mother, Donna Carlton; her sister, Kerry Burch; and her daughters, Katrina Dair and Jenna Dair.

She attended South High School in Torrance and graduated in 1980. Debbie began her professional career as a bank teller. She went on to build an impressive banking career spanning more than four decades, first with First Business Bank and later as part of the founding team of American Business Bank, where she dedicated 25 years of service.

Above all else, Debbie's greatest pride was her family. She was a devoted mother, aunt, and beloved “Gaga.” Her memory lives on through her daughters, Katrina and Jenna; her nephew, Kyle Burch; her niece, Kristen Burch; and her four cherished grandchildren: Liam, 12; Finn, 9; Lauren, 2; and Emily, who was born just days after her passing. Her grandchildren were one of the greatest joys of her life, and she treasured every moment she spent with them.

Debbie lived life fully and unapologetically. She loved attending concerts with friends, spending time at her Lake Arrowhead home and fishing off the boat or dock, and taking part in annual ice fishing trips with family and friends.

She was rarely seen without a Passion Fruit iced tea or a Coors Light in hand (depending on the time of day) and brought an unmistakable energy wherever she went. She was incredibly self-sufficient, always occupied with a home project or craft, and never one to sit still for long.

Debbie possessed a gift for making people feel at home. She welcomed others with an open heart, genuine kindness, and an easy warmth that put everyone at ease. Whether you had known her for decades or had only just met her, she made you feel like you belonged - and many who began as friends became family.

One of Debbie’s prized possessions was her 1973 Karmann Ghia. She had owned one in her early twenties and, decades later, decided she wanted another. True to form, once Debbie set her mind to something, she went all in, and before long, another Karmann Ghia found its way into her garage.

In classic Debbie fashion, she found a Ghia for sale online in rural Idaho and promptly booked herself a trip to go see it. Most people would have thought twice about flying alone to the middle of nowhere, meeting a stranger, inspecting a vintage car by flashlight in the pitch-black dark, handing over a stack of cash, and arranging to have it shipped home. Debbie didn't hesitate.

That adventure perfectly captured who she was. She was independent, adventurous, stubborn in the best possible way, and always knew exactly what she wanted.

To know Debbie was to know selflessness. She was endlessly generous, always willing to show up for others, and would do anything she could to help the people she loved. Nothing brought her more joy than gathering family and friends together.

Her home became such a welcoming place that it earned the nickname “Club Deb” - a reflection of the countless meals, birthdays, holidays, weekends, and parties (even a wedding!) that she hosted over the years. Everyone knew there was always a seat at Debbie's table, a cold beer waiting, and a warm welcome for anyone who walked through the door.

Debbie's strength was extraordinary. Diagnosed with breast cancer at age 36, she fought and beat it with remarkable resilience. Decades later, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2022, she faced her illness with the same fierce determination and grace. She never complained, never sought sympathy, and carried herself with such strength that many would forget she was even battling cancer. She was determined to keep living life on her own terms, and she did.

Debbie leaves behind a legacy of resilience, generosity, laughter, and love. She showed those around her what it means to fight with grace, love without limits, and live life fully.

The loss we feel today is profound because her love touched so many lives. But even in our grief, we are grateful. We are grateful for the memories she gave us, the traditions she created, the laughter she shared, and the example she set. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.