Debbie Gillespie

November 19th, 1953 - September 2nd, 2021

Debbie's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Debbie here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

Dearest Kelly and Amy. Although I never had the privilege of knowing Debbie my heart is breaking for each and every one of your family. Knowing just the two of you and your kind and compassionate Dad, I know for sure Debbie was one amazing and beautiful person. A family trait. After losing Dana 10 months ago I know how your hearts hurt. Life is short. Enjoy every single minute God has given you. As I learned and like you, total shock and unexpected loss doesn't go away. God Bless you both (and all in your family) and we all know where she is and that alone is a true blessing. You will miss her as time goes by but your memories will keep her forever in your hearts and with you always. I am so glad we both had wonderful memories of you both. Now without Dana maybe they are cracking up Heaven in a strange kind of way. Love you both. Judi Sheldon

Judith Sheldon

September 16th, 2021 at 10:20am

I have no words to explain the loss I feel of my sister Debbie. We truly grew up together being born less than 11 months apart. We had our ups & downs & I'm thankful to say the majority was the ups. We had a great time growing up together. From playing Capture the Flag with our cousins when we were little to having way too much illegal fun in our teens. As we got older the fun didn't stop. Going to baseball games, or on trips together, going out to lunches or just sitting down to talk. After Debbie retired, we both got into staying up until all hours of the morning. We'd watch different movies & then start texting back & forth about them. I will never forget these times with her. She was the most gracious, loving, kindest person I have ever met. I will miss her greatly. Since she's passed, there hasn't been a day I haven't spoken to her. Even at night I'll sit out & I have a special star I focus on to talk to. That star's name is Debbie.

T Gillespie

September 15th, 2021 at 4:33pm

Besides being an absolute HOOT, Debbie was a giving soul! She’d volunteer to read to my classes in Benton Harbor for years📚. She would “adopt a family” each holiday season, and then organize a fleet of us to add to her contributions to make this family’s Christmas EVEN brighter! Her wit and one liners made us all roar with laughter, even now! It IS literally surreal to think we won’t be able to hear one of her punchlines again here on Earth - Heaven most certainly gained an angel with Debbie💙.

Gina Balbo

September 4th, 2021 at 9:33pm

I am heartbroken. Debbie was one of the brightest, funniest, most empathetic human beings I’ve ever encountered. We met in 1972, our freshman year in college and became fast friends. We agreed on almost everything (e.g., politics, women’s rights, music, the genius of Monty Python). I never quite understood her abhorrence for coffee. We had bunk beds; she on the bottom and me on top. I would jump down every morning and run to the cafeteria for my coffee fix with Debbie yelling “what the F Harris!”. We could play Euchre and Scrabble ad nauseam. Some things we agreed on much later …. as in “what were we thinking?” It was a different time. We hitchhiked everywhere and tried regularly to sneak into concerts. Albeit, unsuccessfully, with one exception; Humble Pie.

My heartfelt condolences to her siblings, many nieces and nephews, and hordes of friends. She was, simply the best. Debbie, I will miss and love you till the end of my days. ❤️

Lisa Claire Harris

September 4th, 2021 at 7:27pm

I am heartbroken. Debbie was one of the brightest, funniest, most empathetic human beings I’ve ever encountered. We met in 1972, our freshman year in college and became fast friends. We agreed on almost everything (e.g., politics, women’s rights, music, the genius of Monty Python). I never quite understood her abhorrence for coffee. We had bunk beds; she on the bottom and me on top. I would jump down every morning and run to the cafeteria for my coffee fix with Debbie yelling “what the F Harris!”. We could play Euchre and Scrabble ad nauseam. Some things we on agreed much later …. as in “what were we thinking?” It was a different time. We hitchhiked everywhere and tried regularly to sneak into concerts. Albeit, unsuccessfully, with one exception; Humble Pie.

My heartfelt condolences to her siblings, many nieces and nephews, and hordes of friends. She was, simply the best. Debbie, I will miss and love you till the end of my days. ❤️

Lisa Claire Harris

September 4th, 2021 at 6:30pm

She made me laugh til I cried! She was the best at trivia, cross words and words w/friends! She came into a room like a firecracker and left as quiet as a church mouse. She left you always wanting more! She was one of the smartest and most clever people I knew! She was so quick witted, and when you couldn't imagine laughing any harder, she would throw another line at you! She was strong with grace and dignity! And so very giving! But most of all, she was like a sister to me with the bonus of being a best friend! She loved me and I adored and loved her even more!! I was looking forward to a hug in a few weeks, but happy to know she is out of pain and resting peacefully in Heaven!

To her brother and sisters, neices and nephews, (I'm proud to call you mine, too!) My arms are extended across the country to hug you and wipe away your tears!😘

To her extended family and friends, my heart is heavy with all of you and I hope her legacy will live on through us all!

To Bea & Butter, your Mom loved you like crazy and I know you will miss her, but sweet, kind Bailey Gruss knew how much you both meant to her Aunt and will make sure you are safe and loved!😘🐈🐈‍⬛

To T! Teri Gillespie - Big hugs coming your way!😥😘

To Thobie - So proud of you for being at her side and honoring her wishes!❤🙂

D, I rejoice for you today, not only for the colorful and spectacular life you led, but that you are celebrating with all those in Heaven! I'm picturing you dancing and smiling so hard with Aggie & Sally! Not a dry eye down here on earth, but so much laughter and fun has just filled heaven!

I pray we will always cherish the memories of D! She was truly one of a kind and I will forever hold her in my heart!💙🙏

Much love-💜 Citty Cat Ross (aka C. S. Flitzabout)😉

Debbie Gillespie

Debbie's Memory Wall

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