Northern Wyoming News - Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years

Deborah Ann Goncalves, 66, passed away peacefully at her home on June 6, 2023. Deb was born October 28, 1956 in Merced, California to J.D. and Geraldine (Sneed) Dixon.

She received her education in California, graduating from Merced High School in 1974. She married Michael Louis Goncalves on July 13, 1974 in Reno, Nevada.

The couple was blessed with three sons, John, Robert, and Matt. The family stayed in Merced where Mike was a fire-fighter/paramedic and Deb worked for a school district that had over 12,000 students. In 1988, she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. After a rough start with her first doctor, she received the best treatment possible at Stanford University.

In 1990 the family moved to Wyoming. She was able to enjoy peace and quiet on the ranch on Gooseberry. This not only lifted her spirits, but it was the best remedy for her medically. During this time, she went to work for Washakie Medical Center. Her health later forced her into early retirement, her last position was Guest Services Administrator. She took very good care of the patients' outside needs, even caring for their pets and watering their plants. Deb made life-long friends through her service there, some who would check on her yearly as they came through town. In 1997, the family moved closer to town on West River Road where they remained until the time of her death.

As Deb's health declined, Mike promised her that he would care for her. He became her everything as he took care of her basic needs and their love for each other shone brightly through it all.

Deb was a very caring person. Her family was the most important thing to her. Her children, grandchildren and beloved pets gave her the strength to keep fighting.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, David and son, Robert. Her sweet little companions, Jazzy and Katie also preceded her in death.

Deb will be dearly missed by her husband of 49 years, Mike; sons: Matt (Dani) of Worland and John of Powell, Wyoming; grandchildren: Wade (Alyssa) Goncalves of Powell, Isaac Goncalves of Gillette, Wyoming, Luke, Ross and Bryce Goncalves all of Worland; great-granddaughter, Scottie Ray and another grandbaby due to arrive soon.

Memorial services were held 10:00 AM, Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at the Bryant Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Kayilu Pfoze from the United Methodist Church officiating. Inurnment will follow at Riverview Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Washakie Hospital Foundation and sent to PO Box 524, Worland, WY 82401. Online condolences may be made at http://www.bryantfuneralhome

online.com.