Debra Ann Spinelli Hamilton, age 72, of Modesto, CA passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026 after a courageous battle with ALS. Debbie was the youngest of six children born to Angelo and Elsie Spinelli on March 4, 1954 in Patterson, CA. Raised in Gustine, CA she attended Our Lady of Miracles Catholic School and graduated from Gustine High School. She earned her Associate’s Degree from Modesto Jr College after which she began her 35-year career with Stanislaus County, starting at Municipal Court, moving thru the Purchasing and Public Works departments to retiring as a Commission Clerk-Confidentiality Secretary for Stanislaus LAFCO.
Debbie was devout in her Faith first and foremost and her belief in God’s Promises gave her strength to meet each day. She was strong, yet her heart was gentle and generous. Debbie enjoyed traveling, playing softball in her former years for Stan County, gardening, get-togethers with friends and family especially with her siblings, nieces and nephews, as well as attending her grandchildren’s sporting events and activities. She was also a dedicated supporter to many charities, one being Relay for Life, as she was a two-time cancer survivor.
She is survived by her daughter, Janeé Quintanar (Rafael/Jr) of Riverbank; daughter-in-law, Lisa Hamilton of Modesto; four grandchildren, Karina, Natalie and Isaac Quintanar and Tannon Hamilton; her sisters, JoAnn (Don) Lundell, Janet (Joe) Gomes, Nancy (Philbert) Lawrence all of Hilmar, Betty Petersen of Newman and her brother, Larry (Jeanne) Spinelli of Hilmar, along with many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her son, Ian Hamilton and her parents, Angelo and Elsie Spinelli.
A Visitation will be on Monday, April 20, 2026 at 5:00 PM at the Hillview Funeral Chapel in Patterson followed by a Rosary at 6:00 PM. A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the Shrine of Our Lady of Miracles Church in Gustine. Interment will follow at Hills Ferry Cemetery in Newman. The family has requested that all flowers be ordered through Lee's Floral, 376 5th St, Gustine, 95322, (209) 854-3436.