I had the pleasure of meeting Deborah through Gilda's Club. She was an inspiration to us all. She was a fighter, a dear friend, and funny. I thank her for all her wisdom in ovarian cancer. Deborah, you earned your angels wings. Tell all our Gilda's sisters hello in heaven. Until we meet again. Love you, Judy Tibbits

I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Deborah.
Deborah used to tutor  my husband and I in English, when we were in Michigan. As a tutor, she was tough but also caring. As a friend. she was  very sweet . We learned a lot from her.
After we went back to Japan, she emailed us every year. 
I thought we could meet again , so now  I miss her very much.
She will always be in my heart.

Thank you Deborah  for being there. We always love you.

Yumi and Tatsu Funasaka

I will always remember Deborah as a person with dignity and warmth  expressed in a reserved way that showed her concern and understanding of others.  Over the years that I knew her she was someone with that special personality that I honored and respected, her presence welcoming, her words kind and thoughtful.  My condolences to her family and friends.   May she rest in peace and her good deeds be remembered.

I don’t remember much of aunt Debra but I know she was nice and was always there for grandma. I remember her taking me to a basement bottom burger in Detroit it was so good I loved it. She was a good aunt and never forgot my birthday. Thank you for being my great aunt Debra.

Having known Deborah for over four decades, the memories came rushing in upon hearing of her passing. I remember when she left Michigan to move to Texas, was more than willing and happy to help her unpack when she returned either around 1999 or 2000. What  I remember most about Deborah is her sense of adventure-a natural born explorer, if you will;  this aspect  of her character complemented me in the best way possible. Her explorer’s gene awakened within me, a willingness to do more hiking at local and long distanced state parks. Deborah’s appreciation of the arts, both visual and theatrical, also meshed with my interest; if not Deborah, it was me who would suggest taking in an art fair. Distance did not enter into the decision; we would simply go. We were also patrons of Stagecrafter for many years, a local company out of Royal Oak. Deborah’s absence going forward will leave a huge void in the hearts of many friends, but none more so than mine. I will miss her.

Deb will be deeply missed.  As a long time survivor herself, she offered much needed support to many newly diagnosed women.  She reached many future health care professionals educating them about ovarian cancer's signs and symptoms through the Survivors Teaching Students program.  Her advocacy and education for ovarian cancer awareness was very important to her and we will continue her efforts.  

Marcia Gurche

As Deb has said, “ We carry our loved ones with us and the grief and joy come in waves and washes over us. Holidays touch us with memories of what they love.”
Chebbie Dene, your friendship will be profoundly missed. Lean in, pray for us, and save me a seat at the table.

Deborah and our group of friends go way back to Regina High School since 1966.  Debbie was smart, kind, introspective, and fun to be around. I was blessed to continue spending time together after high school as we took college classes, worked, went to parties, and enjoyed long Summer weekends in Grand Bend. We lost touch when Deborah moved to Texas, but our Group K welcomed her excitedly upon her return to good old Michigan. We all enjoyed so many celebrations, holidays, music and art festivals, craft making, lunches out, and fundraisers together.  Deb was great to be around, calm, good natured, witty, non judgemental, accepting and supportive.  She was humble about her many successes, and cheered us on with ours. Deborah was a consummate friend to many.  She did not complain about her illness, but instead shared valuable information and insight with others. We still cannot believe our girl has left us for Heaven.  We will miss her depth, her spirit, that chuckle, her musings about walks in Nature, how she cared for her dear Mom and fiercely loved her family and friends. We know Deborah is at that Grand Eternal Family Reunion, and we are happy that our precious friend is now whole and healthy and at peace. She will live in our memories and in our hearts, as we send our love to her dear ones.

Dear Pam,Keith, and Maureen and families.
With all the Holy Name Family. Please accept my condolences of the passing of your sister, Deborah.I know more of Pam and Keith I believe they are nearer my class year. There were a number of years difference between  my sister and myself at Holy Name. Please accept my condolences on the passing of your sister.  May the family be comforted in knowing their loved one suffers no more.  She is at peace.  My prayers are with you and your family.   With deep sympathy,   
Pam LoFrano

I’m so sorry to hear about Debra, we worked on some projects many years ago. Was a very sweet person.

Deborah and I were in Girl Scouts together. We loved the Beatles so much we walked from home to  Harper  & Van Dyke to buy Beatle boots. We saved the bus fare so we could stop at LeeLex’s and have a coke, read Teen Magazine and show off our Beatle boots. Such sweet memories growing up in Holy Name Parish. Rest in Peace sweet friend.  Class of 66 HNS .

OBITUARY

Deborah Ann Chene

28 April, 1952 – 23 December, 2023

A.H. Peters Funeral Home

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