Debra Isaacs Robertson

ROBERTSON, Debra Isaacs (October 27, 1920-September 27, 2012 ) Debra Isaacs Robertson had a full life of love, giving and community service for over 50 years in Santa Barbara. She was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1920 and obtained her Bachelor of Science in Speech Therapy from the University of Minnesota (1942). When she came to California, she served as air traffic control operator (1943-44) and as a social caseworker in Los Angeles (1944- 45) while her husband, Alvin Isaacs served as a Captain in the U.S. Army throughout WWII. They were drawn to Santa Barbara in 1946 and, as avid sailors, were early members of the S.B. Yacht Club. Debra was a speech therapist at Devereux School for seven years while raising her two daughters. She served as PTA President at Adams School (1957-58) and as officer of the League of Women Voters (10 years). She served as President , then Treasurer of the S.B. Chapter of Brandeis University Women's Committee and five years as Treasurer for the Adult Education Instructors' Association. Her later career included, Program Assistant with the Lung Association, Information and Referral with Easter Seals Society, and over thirty years as Coordinator of the "How to Stop Smoking Program" held through S.B. Adult Education and Cottage Hospital, as well as CALM Board Member for six years. She was a Member of the Santa Barbara Coordinating Council, the California Association of Neurologically-Handicapped Children, and a UCSB Affiliate. Debra thrived on travel, Greek folk dancing and bridge. She accompanied Alvin in adventures in Spain, Greece, and Turkey. She traveled to China with her second husband, Covert Robertson before he passed away in 1993. Debra traveled to London, then Paris to be with her older daughter, Leslie and grandson, Simon, every year until her health began to decline in 2005. She is survived by her daughters Leslie Limage and Lisbeth Deisenroth, her grandson, Simon Limage and her son-in-law, Clinton Deisenroth. Debra's life was devoted to helping those in need from young children with disabilities to adults trying to give up smoking. She felt strongly about civic engagement at home and globally. She supported Hadassah Women's Zionist Organization of America, World ORT and Planned Parenthood of Santa Barbara. Any friends wishing to remember her may make a contribution to one of them. A memorial gathering of friends and family will be held for her in October.

Debra Isaacs Robertson

October 27, 1920 - September 27, 2012