Debi was born September 19, 1956 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Ralph and Jacqueline Nichols. She was the second of five children. Growing up in Indiana, she loved ice skating, roller skating, horse-back riding and participating in 4H activities.
After graduating from Wayne High School in 1974, Debi followed her passion and acquired an associate degree at The Fort Wayne Art School. Eventually, she got her bachelor’s at Indiana University and moved on to computer programming/IT. Her daughter Leslie was born during her time in Bloomington, IN in 1979.
Her career in computer programming took her all over the country where she participated in different defense projects. It was during these years that she met her partner Frank Zaffino. Together they welcomed three boys, Anthony, Jesse and Eric.
Colorado Springs was one of her work destinations. The beauty of Pikes Peak made her fall in love with the area and decided to call it home in 1992.
Debra is survived by her children, Leslie (Gorka) Nichols of Leuven, Belgium; Anthony (Macy) Nichols, Downey, CA; Jesse Nichols, Colorado Springs, CO; Eric Nichols, Las Vegas, NV; 3 grandchildren, Uxue, Alaia, and Oihane; siblings, Sue Ann (Chuck) Dawson Springs, KY, Sharon(Jim), Encinitas, CA, and Steven, Roanoke, IN.
Debi is preceded in death by her brother Larry.
A visitation is scheduled for Monday, September 19, 2022 from 11a.m. – 12 p.m., with a memorial service following at 12 p.m. at Chapel of Memories, 829 S. Hancock Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80903. Debi will be laid to rest at the Greenlawn Cemetery in Fort Wayne, IN.
