"This is a sorrow too deep for words!! I met Debby when we were pledges in Alpha Delta Pi at ASU. We became good friends and were roommates in Palo Verde Main one semester. She was so funny in a very offbeat way. I was invited to dinner at the Diamond home while we were in college and enjoyed meeting her parents and being introduced to artichokes - which I still love. I worked at Diamonds in Human Relations department in the late seventies so we got to see each other there. My wish for the family is that your memories of happy times with Debby bring you comfort and peace."
In loving memory of
Debby Diamond Cato
February 10, 1950 - June 28, 2021
Loving Mother, Daughter, Grandmother "Mima", Sister, Aunt and friend, Debby Diamond Cato unexpectedly passed away the night of June 28th, after a very short diagnosis of cancer.
Debby was a proud native of Phoenix, graduate of Madison Meadows, Central High School, and ASU. Debby is survived by her parents: Ralph and Carolyn Diamond; 3 daughters: Jennifer Lanoue (Brooks), Kelly Cato, and Stacey Weidinger (Kevin); siblings: Chip Diamond (Sheri) and Carol Isbell (Joe); as well as her treasured grandchildren: Bayley, Lily, Emily, Kayleb, and Theo. Regrettably, Debby was not able to meet her new grandchild "in the hopper." Debby also had a special place in her heart for her countless loving cousins, nieces and nephews.
Following graduation from college, Debby spent many years in the retail business including Diamond's Department Store and The Gap. In recent years, Debby was a successful and valued member of Diamond Properties, Inc.
Debby was fun loving, extremely loyal to her family and friends, and had a very strong sense of the right thing to do. She always let you know what she was thinking, and made us better for that.
As a Mother, Debby was always by her girls' sides. Whether it was traveling between sporting events, school functions, or just navigating 3 active kids going different directions, her devotion to her children is what we will remember most. The dedication to her family was above all else.
Debby will be deeply missed.
Private family services have been held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Debby's memory to a charity of your choice.
Tributes
"I would like to send my deepest condolences to the Diamond and Cato families. I first met Debby at ASU where we were ADPi sorority sisters, but where I truly got to know Debby was when I was her assistant buyer at Diamonds. I have such fond memories of the those many days working side by side in our little office. Her dry sense of humor kept me constantly laughing. She was the epitome of grace. I will forever hold her memory in my heart. Linda White Ruddick"
"So very sorry for the Diamond/Cato Families. What a sudden and tragic loss. To quote the prayer of St Francis " Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon: Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope: Where there is darkness, light, And where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, Grant that I may not so much see to be consoled as to console: To be understood, as to understand: To be loved, as to love: For it is in giving that we receive, It is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is dying that we are born to eternal life" . All our love and prayers, Nancy Heitel Smith "
"HOW VERY SAD TO KNOW OF DEBBIE'S PASSING. THIS LEAVES A VOID IN MANY HEARTS OF FRIENDS AND FAMILY. AM SENDING PRAYERS AND LOVE TO THE DIAMOND FAMILY. BEVERLY PEAGLER"
"This is shocking news, and brings so much sadness, that I have lost my dear college friend, roommate, bridesmaid and fellow softball enthusiast, Debby (D Diamond to her AD Pi sisters.) Sending my deepest sympathy to her Mom and Dad, Carol, Chip, her darling daughters that I was fortunate to meet, her lucky grandkids and all of her extended family. Gale Mefford Fossatti"
"We are very saddened to know of Debby's sudden passing and wanted to reach out to all of the Diamond family and send our condolences at this difficult time. Jeanne McLoone-Johnson and Dan Johnson."
"We are stunned at Debbies passing. She was a friend and at one time neighbor. And its true, if an honest opinion was wanted, Debby was the go to. So, so sorry for your loss. Illa and Sherwin Kallish "
"Debby our hearts are broken. I can?t even wrap my head around the fact that you are gone. We will watch out for your girls especially our beloved Stacey. Until we meet again my friend? Love, the entire Walls family."