UPDATE:We earlier reported, incorrectly, that the service and reception would be open to the public. However, this will be limited to family and friends.

Debbie Dawn (Willard) Numoto passed away Saturday morning after a recent struggle with cancer. She was beloved dearly by her family, friends, and co-workers and customers at Northwest Art & Frame in the Alaska Junction, and many graduates from West Seattle High School, as she was class of 1980.

She was the manager of the front of the store, and was gift buyer.

"Less than a year ago she had bladder cancer," said Jennifer Schwanitz, the frame shop manager for 20 years. "In June she wasn't feeling well, and was achy all the time. It was very rapid. Customers are just starting to ask about her. We have her picture at the front counter. Our employees are having a hard time with that right now," added Schwanitz. But we're dealing with it."

Alki Arts Gallery owner Diane Venti, a friend of Debbie and also class of '80 graduate at WSHS, put this on her Facebook wall last night "I can't believe it- I just saw her a few weeks ago and she was telling me how strong and healthy she felt. I was so proud of her and her great attitude. She felt she had beaten the cancer and was so positive about her life, her work, her husband and family, and her art! She sent me photos of her work and projects-she really loved creating beautiful things."

A memorial for family and friends is this coming Sunday, church service at 3:00 p.m. and reception to follow at 4:00 p.m. at the church, St. John the Baptist, 2050 California Ave. SW.