Debbie Isabell Nelson

Debbie Isabell Nelson, a cherished member of the Duluth community, died peacefully on April 14, 2023 at Viewcrest Health Services in Duluth. She was 70 years old. Born in Duluth on June 16, 1952, Debbie was the daughter of Gilbert and Shirley (Glad) Williams. She graduated from Denfeld High School in 1970.

Debbie was a proud citizen of Morgan Park for much of her life, and worked tirelessly to enhance that community. There she ran “Debbie’s Day Care” for many years, providing a nurturing environment for over 200 children. Her passion for advocating for children extended beyond her day care, and she was involved in many causes to support them.

Debbie was also known for her perseverance and determination. She successfully fought City Hall and actually won after her home was damaged by sewage, resulting in a sewer line upgrade for Morgan Park. She played an instrumental role in helping her beloved husband Carl publish his book “Packers v. Vikings”, ever his supporter and cheerleader, and the two of them played Santa and Mrs. Claus for many years at the Good Fellowship Club. She ran an impressive campaign for St. Louis County Commissioner in 2012. She has a DAY named after her by the City of Duluth for her contributions – May 21, 2013. She received numerous accolades for her work, including the Duluth Police Department Chief’s Police-Citizen Partnership Award and the Women in Leadership Award.

Debbie’s smile and laugh would light up a room and get the party started. She had a passion for collecting Wizard of Oz memorabilia, and enjoying all things chocolate.

Debbie was preceded in death by her beloved husband Carl (2011), mom Shirley (2011), dad Gilbert (2000), nephew Jon (2022), and many other friends and family.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons and daughters-in-law Peter and Kathleen Isabell and Joshua and Maureen Isabell, along with her deeply loved grandchildren Alexandria (husband Drew), Anthony, Olivia and Sophia. She is also survived by her siblings Les (Peg) Williams, Larry (Tot) Williams, Becki Fechner, Scott Williams (Nancy Parr) and Lori Williams (Glenn Merrick). She also leaves behind nieces and nephews Chris, Nat, Brian, Brad, Cory, Kaelyn, Garrett and Matthew. Also grieving her loss are so very many dear family members and friends including her “Team Debbie”, “The Williams Cousins”, and innumerable lifelong friends from childhood in addition to many other wonderful friends made along the way.

A celebration of Debbie’s incredible life will be held Sunday April 30, 2023 at the Morgan Park Community Club/Good Fellowship Club at 2:00 pm with visitation beginning at noon. Coffee and chocolate to follow the service.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the United Protestant Church of Morgan Park’s chair lift fund, to help ensure that this beloved church is accessible to all.

Debbie’s family would like to express their deep gratitude to the Essentia Health Hospice Team and Viewcrest Health Services for their loving care of Debbie in her final months. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

“There’s no place like home…”