Deborah A Gosselin

Debbie was born to parents Charles Edward Bullar and Florence Louise Bullar on July 12, 1951 in Chicago, Illinois. She grew up as the eldest of four with one brother and two sisters. Debbie was often revered as a “mother” to her younger siblings growing up; taking them with on her high school dates or driving them to childhood activities. In 1970, she married and gave birth to her sons, Adam Stephen in 1972 and Craig Charles in 1975. She worked at the school district as a secretary up until her divorce in 1984. This inspired her to become a teacher. At the age of 33, she went back to school and graduated with honors with her Bachelors (SDSU) and Masters (CSUSM) degrees.

Debbie started as an elementary school teacher with Vista Unified School District and remained with VUSD her entire career. She retired as the Principal of Empresa Elementary in 2009 leaving the school with a “California Distinguished School” designation.

Debbie is survived by her brother Charles Edward Bullar, III; her sisters, Donna Aiello and Denise Perez her sons, Adam Stephen and Craig Charles; her loving partner Peter J. Flanagan; and four beautiful grandchildren: Allison, Saxton, Patriot and Josephine. She is preceded in death by her parents Charles Edward Bullar, II and Florence Bullar.

A private interment for Debbie will be held at the Mission San Luis Rey Cemetery on September 27, 2019.

Debbie had many friends and colleagues throughout her career. In recognition of Debbie’s impact on so many, a Celebration of Life will be held at Ciao Ristorante Italiano (2015 East Vista Way, Vista, CA) on September 27, 2019, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Friends and loved ones are encouraged to attend to share stories and celebrate Debbie’s life.

In honor of Debbie’s lifelong dedication to education, the family asks in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her name to Cancer for College at https://www.gofundme.com/f/debbie-gosselin-memorial