Debora Lindquist Smith
Debora Lindquist Smith died in her sleep on Friday, July 11, 2025 in North Tustin, CA.
Born March 19, 1959 in Jamestown, NY, Debora is survived by her loving husband, Michael N. Smith and her dear son, Andrew B. Smith. She is also survived by her siblings Jeffrey Lindquist (Melody) of Colorado Springs, CO; Randal Lindquist (Doreen) of Atlanta, GA; and Diane Zoltowski (Jeffrey) of Northville, MI; sisters-in-law Carole Collins (Thomas) and Patricia Cunningham (Leo), both of Orchard Park, NY; and an array of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Lois Lindquist; her grandparents, J. Reuben and Francina Grandin Ortendahl and C. Kenneth and Eva Cobb Lindquist; along with her father-in-law Walter N. Smith and mother-in-law Phyllis A. Smith.
Debora was born and raised in Jamestown, NY, graduating from Jamestown High School in 1977. A graduate of the University of Buffalo in 1981 with a degree in English, she began her career in public relations that same year. Debora and Michael moved to Southern California in 1986, were married in 1994 and built their careers in advertising and public relations thereafter.
Their son “Drew,” born in 1996 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), became the inspiration for Debora to gain knowledge of ASD, then share that knowledge with others through the charity she founded, Autism Resource Mom, whose events and programs grew to serve over 1,500 families throughout Southern California and the nation.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Autism Resource Mom: For online donations, visit autismresourcemom.com. Email mike@beardboy.com with questions.
A Celebration of Life for Debora will be held in the coming weeks. Please check the service schedule for details.
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I’m so sad to hear this news about my long time, life friend. Debbie and I went to kindergarten together and our school paths paralleled from grade school through junior high, high school and through college at UB. We had a friendly rivalry and Debbie made me better. I will forever be grateful to her. I will miss you, thanks for the memories. Mike
So sorry for the loss of such a great person.condolanses to the family.
My dear friend you will be missed! Your wit, diplomacy, patience and dependability are just a handful of your beautiful soul's admiral qualities. You will always be a spirit sister of mine, Ms Deb. You were a pillar of the community and I am humbled by our friendship🪷
Mike, Drew and Deb's family my sincere condolences.
My deepest condolences to Mike, Drew, and all of Debora’s family and friends. I hope the community’s love for her will be a comfort to her loved ones. Debora had a powerful positive impact on my life. I remember meeting her as a 16 year old at improv above the bowling alley and how she smiled and made me feel comfortable right away. She was so good with children and teenagers and was really like another “mom” to all of us “kids” in the group. My experiences and opportunities with Autism Resource Mom, Debora’s passion project and legacy, formed me into the advocacy professional I am today. It only takes one person to believe in you and set your life on a different course, and that was Debora for me. She was warm and kind as a friend and supportive and helpful as a mentor. She was so creative with innovating new ideas for the community and I loved working with her. Overall, Debora was an exceptionally special human being and I will miss her so much!
Debora was so kind and giving with her time and her advocacy for others. She provided a beautiful source of community and opportunity for those that need it most. Our thoughts are with her family and all of those close to her that were impacted by her caring generosity.
We were saddened to hear of Debra’s passing. She spent time speaking to me and her words were impactful and inspirational, giving me hope for my children’s future. Debra volunteered her time at two of our resource fairs and her kindness and approachability were a true gift. What an amazing legacy she left behind with Autism Resource Mom. Our entire leadership team at This Journey Moms group sends our condolences to the entire family.
My heartfelt condolences to Mike, Drew, Debora’s entire family, her friends, and the ARM community. Her passing is a profound loss to us all.
Eight years ago, I had the privilege of meeting Debora. As an ARM leader and an independent facilitator for our 15-year-old son, she brought immense joy, comfort, and support to our family. Her warmth and dedication touched every moment we shared, from meetings and gatherings to cherished Christmas celebrations. We feel truly blessed to have had Debora by our side all these years.
Her vibrant spirit will remain with us forever, a guiding light in our hearts.
Caroline Shafee purchased Eternal Solace for Debora Smith
Our deepest condolences to the Smith family on the passing of your inspiring, creative and funny mother, Debora. She brought the autism community together with her warm embraceful hug, leaving a legacy of connection and love. She will be deeply missed and forever admired.
Marisol Perez purchased Eco-Friendly Memorial Trees for Debora Smith