Debra Tsutsui Grant
October 10, 1954 - October 29, 2021
Our beloved Mimi, Mom, Auntie, Sister and Friend left us on October 29, 2021 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Debbie was born to Shigetoshi (Jimmy) and Daisy Kaneko Tsutsui on October 10, 1954 in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was the youngest of 7 siblings: Bob (JoAnn), Eddie (Kirsten), Frances (Steve), Janice, Donny (Judy), and Kathy. She graduated from Granite High School. As a single mom of four young girls, Debbie worked very hard at multiple jobs to support her family. She did not complain, make excuses, or feel sorry for herself; the love she had for her daughters and family motivated her to keep going. She inspired her daughters to be the same kind of hard working, loving, and dedicated Mothers, Wives, Friends and Students.
Debbie graduated from the Salt Lake Community College with a degree as a Physical Therapy Assistant in 2001. After all the years of working two jobs, going to school, and raising 4 teenage girls in a 1-bathroom house, Debbie did not know what to do with all the time. It was so nice to see her finally get to relax a little bit, even though she still would vacuum the house at 3:00 am here and there. In 2007 she suffered kidney failure. In 2008 her son in law, Marty Merrell (Nichol), gave her the gift of life and when his “racing kidney” started doing its job, she was back and as healthy as ever. When she started having problems with her blood pressure and had to go to the hospital, we all thought she would just keep on going. Debbie loved her family so much, but her heart had nothing left.
Debbie is survived by her daughters Angie (Ian), Teresa, Nichol (Marty), and Brandy (Kammon); 7 grandsons Kyan, Lincoln, Lucas, Connor, Jax, Liam, Dane, and her favorite granddaughter Sierra; as well as siblings, nieces, nephews, and friends. Nothing made Debbie happier than time with her family, especially her grandkids. Please spend time with your family and tell them you love them; Debbie would like that.
We want to thank all the Nurses and Doctors who worked with Debbie and her family over the years.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the National Kidney Foundation in her name.
A Celebration of Debbie's life will be held in her honor on Friday, November 19, 2021 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, Utah. Come with a smile to celebrate the most amazing woman we all know and love.
In Loving Memory
I'm very sorry to hear of Debbie's passing. My memories of her are from our early years so the bio was very nice to read. Sympathies to her family......
Patricia Sugano
Chicago, Il
My earliest memories of my favorite auntie go way back to 1971.The thing that stands out most is the amazing job she did raising her four daughters on her own.I can see my aunt Debbie in each of them so she will always be with us and in our hearts.My heart and sympathies go out to my cousins,their children and everyone who loved Debbie.I wish I had better words for all the people that are hurting right now.I love you aunt Debbie.
Eric Hatton
Heber City, Ut
This is a beautiful tribute to your lovely mother. I am so very sorry for the loss that your family is feeling right now. Your mother was a gem and I feel blessed that I got to know her in the early years. Strong, hard working, and very giving is what comes to my mind. She raised remarkable women. Bless your hearts.
Suzanne Marshall
West Jordan, UT
Anyone who knew Debbie knew she was a special soul and a bright light in this world. My favorite thing about her that I will always remember was her laugh, so full of life and love. She had the best laugh. Aunt Debbie, I hope you know how much I love and admire you. I miss you like crazy. My heart is broken for our family, you were the most amazing Aunt, Mom, Mimi, and Sister and so very loved by everyone.
Hana Dean
Draper, UT
My deepest condolences to the family for your great loss. I have fond memories of Debbie and her family visiting us when I was growing up. She was a wonderful person who will be missed.
Annette Tanaka Murphy
Corona Del Mar, Ca
What a sweet tribute to a beautiful soul. I'm so blessed to have called her my good friend. Her family was her foundation. She was lucky to have all of you to love her. I loved her too. God bless her and all of you.
Carol Jones Froysland
Mesquite,, NV