Deanna Avant

Sept. 12, 1939 - Dec. 23, 2024

Deanna Avant, beloved matriarch, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher, and friend died on December 23, 2024. Born to Helma (Bobbie) and George Troast on September 12, 1939, at the San Fernando Valley Hospital, she was a valley girl before the term was even coined. She grew up in Newhall and went to Hart High School where she met the love of her life, Bobby Avant. She went to University of California, Los Angeles (the first in her family to go to college) aiming to be a nurse. But she paused after one year to marry Bobby and begin a family with first Debbi and then Rob. After Rob started kindergarten, Deanna went back to school at San Diego State University. She received a degree in education and began her long career teaching first grade at Crest Elementary School soon after. Her extraordinary teaching was recognized by the Crest community and beyond when she was named “Teacher of the Year”. She loved nothing more than finding the best in each child, which she saw as the way into both their heart and their mind. Students flocked to her classroom and remembered her warmth, enthusiasm, and willingness to hatch chicks each year. But Deanna was much more than a teacher. She was a fixture at the school, first to arrive and often last to leave each day. She was at the center of extra-curricular activities, a regular in talent shows, and a mentor to teachers and administrators alike. Her passion went beyond the school into the community. She remained loyal to Crest her entire life, always ready to show up for events and help in times of need as she did when she assisted relief efforts after the Cedar Fire in 2003. Deanna poured even greater warmth and enthusiasm into her family. She would do anything for Debbi and Rob, and, as they had families, for her grandchildren (Dan, Brandon, Lexa, Alec, Alyssa, and Jack), and great-grandchildren (Mason, Silas, Arthur, Everly, and Bodie). Hers was the house where everyone gathered for Christmas all the way up until her death. The kids remember her as the best Mom, Grandma, and Great-Grandma ever, always ready with a sweet card, loving gift, and fun activity. And for 66 years she was always at Bobby’s side – as much a part of his activities as her own. She kept loving records of all his accomplishments. It was tragic, but perhaps not surprising, that her death came so soon after his. She retired early, but never stopped. She would fly out to visit Debbi and her kids, volunteer with Friends of East County Arts, and organize dinners and trips with her wine group. She was a host extraordinaire; her dinner parties were legendary. When Bobby retired, she loved to travel with him and their friends. Their lifelong camping trips in the California Redwoods, Glacier National Park, and the Grand Tetons expanded, as did trips to the wine country and to visit family in Santa Fe. And she and Bobby traveled internationally to France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, and Australia. She reminisced about her fond memories of their trip to Italy at her last gathering with her family in December. Among Deanna’s most memorable traits was her commitment to relationships. She was a glue that held people together. She was always there for her mother, father, and extended family. Even as her health began to falter, she worried about not being able to visit her elderly uncle. She maintained friendships from grade school, high school, college, and her early career for her entire life. Once in her orbit, there was no escape. Among the greatest gifts she gave to those in her circle was a magnificent example of how to nurture and maintain relationships. This is a gift that will live on among all she touched, keeping her spirit alive for many years to come.