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. Details will follow.