It is with mixed emotions that the Pathways and Letter family announce the passing of Rev. Deborah Ann Bourbon, R.N. On one hand, we are happy for her “graduation day” as she liked to call it and reunion with her loved ones in Spirit – on another, we mourn our own loss of a beloved Friend, Teacher, Spiritual Advisor, and Mother.
Deborah transitioned into Spirit on October 20, 2013 after a 1-1/2 year cancer diagnosis. She is survived by her son, Jon Letter II, daughter-in-law Kelly, her Pathways family and of course many of you – her friends and customers.
Deborah was an ordained Spiritualist Minister, a Registered Nurse, a Reiki Master, metaphysical teacher, founder and owner of Pathways (a Metaphysical Resource Center) and a Servant of the Light. She was an Eighth Degree Astarian, and the Founding Minister of Circle of Light Independent Spiritualist Church. She was initiated into the Jyoti Order of Spiritual Lightworkers by Namadeva Acharya. For over 42 years, she had done private consultations and taught classes based on her many years of personal studies and experiences. Her focus was on empowering people to improve their lives and focus on their spiritual growth. She has traveled around the world, creating and participating in ceremonies and rituals at such sacred sites as Stonehenge, Machu Picchu Peru, the Sphinx and the Kings Chamber in the Great Pyramid at Giza as well as other sacred temple sites throughout Egypt, Potala Palace in Lhasa Tibet, the 7 Sacred Ganesh Temples throughout India, China, England, Ireland, Scotland as well as at native sites in the U.S. She had been invited to co-lead some of these journeys with Astara.
Deborah’s life was immersed in metaphysics and Spiritualism, beginning with open-minded parents who encouraged her to pursue her interests and talents while she was still very young. Over 43 years ago she had one of the earliest esoteric stores in the country and published one of the first metaphysical newspapers. She has appeared on countless radio, television, cable, talk and news shows throughout her long career as well as having authored articles in national and international publications. A Registered Nurse for over 30 years, with 2 college degrees and an advocate of a healthy body AND a healthy mind, she also presented numerous classes combining metaphysics, holistic and alternative healing modalities. An ordained Spiritualist minister for over 22 years, in this – the religion of her youth, she inculcates the principles of soul growth, eternal life and over lighting loving guidance throughout her teachings. These principles have been galvanized even further by her two near-death experiences.
Deborah’s business, Pathways, is a supply and resource center honoring all traditions. Started on the Harmonic Convergence in 1987, it has steadily grown into, what visitors nationwide have acclaimed, is one of the most complete and highest quality stores of its kind. The current library of classes that Deborah taught had over 70 individual titles. Over the decades Deborah has taught these to literally thousands of people some of whom have gone on to become prominent authors and leaders in their own right.
Several years before her passing, Rev. Deborah took the time to educate and train her successors, Ken Needham and Melina Valdejo. They take this inheritance very seriously and endeavor to do their best to shine the light on Rev. Deborah’s legacy: Pathways Books.
