Debra Fackrell Macavinta

Debra Lee Fackrell Macavinta, 71, passed away at her home in Corinne, Utah, on Monday, February 9, 2026.

Debby was born at Cooley Memorial Hospital in Brigham City to Arvin Nessen Fackrell and Luana Elsie Burt on June 30, 1954. A portion of her childhood was spent in Venice, California where she fell in love with ocean waves and sandy beaches. Venice held a special spot in her heart throughout her life.

During her freshman year at Box Elder High School, Debby met Joe Macavinta, who matched her quiet and shy personality with a streak of mischievousness. They were married on New Year's Eve in 1971 and for the next 54 years, Joe was her safe space and she was his sweetheart.

The two of them tackled life head-on — overcoming obstacles, celebrating successes and working together to create a solid future for themselves and their three kids.

Debby was a whiz with financial matters, both at home and at Arv’s Trailer Repair in Ogden where she worked side by side with her dad as business manager and later, co-owner.

She loved dogs, German Shepherds in particular. She loved Bear, Whiskey and Sam, but Candy — who had been abandoned with a large litter of new puppies — was one of her most treasured pets. And, when Bo couldn't be a ranch dog anymore, she became pretty fond of him as well.

She was an avid reader for much of her life and often shared thrillers with her mother. She loved to listen to “the Oldies” in the car, but Queen was her favorite.

Debby was a skilled driver who could handle her car like a pro, whether it was coolly pulling over to the side of the freeway in her 1966 Chevelle when the driver-side front tire came off or doing donuts in the church parking lot during a snow storm.

She always made a great dinner but our favorite things were her lemon meringue pie at Thanksgiving and homemade caramels at Christmas.

And, her home was always open to not only her kids and their families, but also to Cassidy and Aubrey, her bonus kids.

Debby is survived by her husband, Joe, and their children: Amy Macavinta, Logan; Joseph (Roxanna) Macavinta, Plain City; and Chris (Kellie) Macavinta; her mother, Luana Fackrell, Ogden; sister Marsha Fackrell, Ogden; and brother Gary (Sherrie) Fackrell, West Haven. She is also survived by 12 granddaughters: Rachael, Amanda, Michaela, Cara, Erin, Kylie, Serenity, Kennadee, Katie, Paislie, Preslie, Piper; four grandsons: Alex, Nathan, Patton and Paxton; and four great-grandchildren, Andrew, Daniel, Soren and Finley.

She was preceded in death by her father, Arvin N. Fackrell.

Viewings will be held on Tuesday, February 17 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, and Wednesday, February 18 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m. at Gillies Funeral Chapel, 624 E 200 South, Brigham City.

Interment will be in the Corinne Cemetery.

We are thankful for the assistance of A Plus Hospice, who helped us keep mom comfortable, but we are most grateful to Kellie, Roxanna, and Paislie who selflessly took tender care of mom as if she was their own mother, in a way that maintained her dignity. That was a priceless gift that offered comfort not only to our mom but to all of our family.

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