Deborah Robinson, 76

Deborah F. "Debbie" Robinson, 76, of Polson, passed away Nov. 11, 2024, of natural causes at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula.

Debbie was born on March 22, 1948, in Wilmington, Del., to James and Deborah Edgar. She grew up on the family farm near Kennett Square, Pa., where she developed a lifelong love of animals and horsemanship. An active member of the Pony Club, Debbie’s family hosted numerous jumping, dressage, and cross-country competitions.

After graduating from high school in Kennett Square, her adventurous spirit took her to Wyoming, where she helped her cousins on their ranch, and later to Montana to attend Eastern Montana College in Billings. Debbie often joked that it was there she earned her "MRS degree."

On Aug. 9, 1969, Debbie married William Robinson in Billings. The couple lived briefly in Hays and Conrad, where they welcomed their first daughter, Meredith. They eventually settled in Polson, where they had their second daughter, Amy.

While in Polson, Debbie discovered her passion for cooking and feeding others. She worked as a cook at local restaurants, the hospital, the Senior Center, and the school. Her baking became legendary, with her famous caramel bars frequently requested for special events and lovingly delivered to the teachers' lounge.

After she and Bill went their separate ways, Debbie moved to Bozeman to be closer to Meredith and her family. There, she continued her culinary career, cooking at a local school and serving as a housemother for a sorority.

In 2015, she found love again with Ruben Nadeau, and they became inseparable. With Ruben came a loving extended family, including Cami, Holly, Josh and Nick, along with their families. Debbie cherished visiting with all of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, often bringing them her signature treats, such as banana bread and caramel bars.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, James and Deborah; her sister-in-law, Suzanne; her son-in-law, Dennis; and her grandson, Brandon.

She is survived by her partner, Ruben Nadeau, of Polson; her daughters, Meredith Tinseth of Denver, Colo., and Amy Baier of Missoula; her grandchildren, Cody (Amanda) of Sidney, Mont., Keelan of Highlands Ranch, Colo., Jaden of Coimbra, Portugal, and Dana (Shane) of Missoula; her great-granddaughter, Lee Ann; and her brother, Clifton Edgar, of Kennett Square, Pa.

Debbie also leaves behind Ruben’s family, as well as many beloved cousins, friends, and extended family members who became part of her circle.

Debbie will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, and deep connections with everyone she met. Whether you played bingo with her, shared a cup of coffee, or tasted one of her baked goods, she made you feel special and cared for.

A celebration of Debbie’s life will be held in the spring of 2025, allowing her family and friends to gather and honor her memory.