In Memory
Deborah Lynn (Magnuson) Tezich
July 4, 1952 ~ January 21, 2024 71 Years Old
Deborah Lynn Tezich, 71, a lifelong resident of South Bend, died peacefully at home on Sunday, January 21, 2024.
Deb was born on July 4,1952, in South Bend to the late Alvin and Audry Magnuson (Annis), and so began the fireworks. Deb graduated from Riley High School (1970) and the Purdue University School Of Nursing. She was a dedicated RN for more than 40 years. Deb had a special gift and passion for Geriatric and Hospice Care, and this genuine empathy eased the pain and suffering of numerous souls.
In the 1990s, she took a break from nursing to become the owner and operator of Balloon Works and Balloons & More, becoming a Certified Balloon Artist, and providing the decor for countless wedding receptions, the Sunburst Marathon, Ivy Tech groundbreaking ceremony, and Notre Dame graduation parties.
In her younger days she found a love for the water, became a competitive breaststroker, and in the summers was rarely seen not in her Speedo. She especially enjoyed night time swims in Lake Michigan whenever she got the chance. We're pretty sure she passed down a water gene of some sort, as her daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren share the affinity for all things aquatic.
Deb was known for her blunt, no-holds barred attitude to almost everything. You never had to wonder what was on her mind. When a controversy arose, you were about to find out what her position was. She was a loyal, true blue Democrat her entire life, once running unsuccessfully for South Bend Common Council. She abhorred racism and never failed to respond to it. She was proud to have voted in every primary and general election in her lifetime. She serendipitously got to meet and shake the hand of Barack Obama during his first Presidential campaign and commented that the man “...needs to gain some weight!”
Somewhat later in life, she discovered the music of Bruce Springsteen, (“How did I miss this?!”) and knew the lyrics to every one of his songs. Appropriately, her favorite was “Land Of Hope And Dreams”, the theme of inclusiveness ringing true for her.
Deb spearheaded the five-year battle to keep Riley High School in the South Side's oldest neighborhoods. As a leader of the Riley-at-Ewing citizen advocacy group, she was a constant presence at meetings of the local school board and state tax board and spent countless hours on the phone with local and state leaders. Her perseverance resulted in the new Riley High School on Fellows Street, adjacent to the site of the original building. Deb's tireless efforts and skills of logic and persuasion left a legacy that continues today with the anchoring presence of a high school in the most venerable community on the south side.
Deb married her high school sweetheart, George Tezich, Jr. sharing their lives together for more than 51 years. They have 2 daughters, Stephanie Tezich of Tampa, Florida, and Sarah von der Mehden (Christopher) of Granger who survive. Deb was devoted to her girls. Everything she did was for them.
Deb is survived by her husband and her daughters as well as four grandchildren, Jacelynn Georgianne Townsend (Jahnoi Oddman), Naia von der Mehden, Caius von der Mehden, and Atreus von der Mehden. Also great grandchildren Zane Townsend, Zyla Oddman, and Zyan Oddman, collectively “the Z-Force”. She also is survived by her siblings Marsha Gordon of Crown Point, IN and James Magnuson of Orlando, FL, sister-in-law Chris Magnuson of Windermere, FL, brother-in-law Alan N. Gordon, Highland, IN, and brother-in-law John Hipskind of Bloomington IN. Also in-laws Greg and Deborah Tezich of Albuquerque, NM, Robert Tezich of South Bend, IN, and Ruth Trinkley of Nappanee, IN, along with many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents Deb was preceded in death by her sister, Leanne Hipskind, and step-father, Louis Annis, Jr.
Cremation and a private celebration have taken place, as Deb requested. The family wishes to thank Heart To Heart Hospice for their immeasurable assistance in Deb's final years. To commemorate her life, Deb would surely urge you to vote. Contribute to Joe Biden in favor of democracy, and she'll save a seat for you!
Online condolences to the family may be sent via the Palmer Funeral Homes website at: www.palmerfuneraIhomes.com
01/30/2024 djb
|