Debra Rae Baer

Debra Rae Baer

September 21, 1971 – April 20, 2025 

Debra Rae Baer passed away on Sunday, April 20 at her home in Canby, Oregon. Debbie was born on September 21, 1971, in Portland, Oregon, to James and Renee Baer. She lived with her parents, in Aurora, until 2007. Her parents lovingly had a group home built for Debbie, which they named Baer Bridge. In 2007 they entrusted Debbie’s daily care to Catholic Community Services. 

Some activates that brought Debbie joy were her daily car rides while listening to her favorite songs, shredding paper, blowing bubbles, doing puzzles, stringing wooden beads, watching her peanut butter toast being made, and the sound of her favorite popcorn snack popping. 

Debbie thrived on having her daily routine. She found comfort with having her wooden board (made by her dad) with her, a roll of masking tape for certain outings, and her extra bedtime pillow. A few of Debbie’s favorite phrases to say, were: “Oh, for goofy”, “Say Oooooooooo”, and “Get your popcorn”. 

Although Debbie was limited in her verbal language, she taught those who knew her so much. One gained a whole new understanding of patience, fearlessness, quietude, perseverance, determination, human strength, solitude, resilience, empathy, adaptability, and appreciation. 

Debbie was lovingly and faithfully cared for her entire life by her parents, caregivers, and support team. 

Surviving Debra are two sisters – Michelle Baer of Wilsonville, Kris Rule of Oregon City; two nephews – Levi and James; 4 nieces – Kendra, Kara, Camille, and Ella; and one great niece – Sadie. 

Preceding Debra in death were her parents, James and Renee Baer. 

Debbie was loved by all those who knew her and she will be dearly missed.