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Debra Rivera-Fortess Obituary
Debra Rivera Fortess, 72, of Albuquerque, NM, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026, after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer.
Debra was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend, known for her warmth, kindness, and generosity. She owned and ran Apple Mountain Music for over a decade, creating a welcoming community of musicians and friends.
She loved cooking, hiking, birding, music, and celebrating holidays with family. Debra found a spiritual home at St. Michael's and All Angels Episcopal Church.
She is survived by her husband, Stephen Fortess; her children, Maridonna Washington, Daniel Rivera, Rachel Rivera and Abbey Miksch, her sons-in-law, Brendan Washington and Jeff Miksch; her grandchildren, Ellery Washington, Sean Washington and his wife Cecilia Lin, Thelonious Washington, Knives Annabelle Washington, Fiona Rivera, Kay Rivera, Jackson Miksch and Lilly Miksch.
A memorial service will be held at 12:00 PM on March 27, 2026 at St. Michael's and All Angels Episcopal Church, 601 Montaño Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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