Debra Ann Farrell

Debra went home to be with her Lord on Monday, September 12, 2016, after a long illness battle. Jesus welcomed home his Prodigal Daughter at 3:08 a.m. surrounded by family and friends. They included her daughter, Rachael Jones as well as some special ladies that Debbie considered daughters, Hulie Strong, Heather Stenger and Jodi Bennett. Also by her side were her life-long friends, Debbie Stenger, Sally Bennett, Ruth Hildago and Linda Mead. All of these wonderful family & friends had been by Deb's side daily loving and supporting her and her daughter, as well as her grandchildren. They were such a blessing and source of strength for Rachael during this difficult time in which Rachael is extremely grateful! Debra Ann Farrell was born on May 22, 1957. She was daughter to Leon and Joan (Johnson) Farrell. She resided in Saginaw, Michigan and attended Arthur Hill High School. She received her GED later in life and went on to complete her studies at Ross Medical School. Debra is survived by her daughter, Rachael (Adam) Jones; her two grandchildren, Nicholas Moore and Madison Jones; two sisters, Janet Dexter and Linda (Ron) Erzen; one sister-in-law, Christine Farrell; her Aunt, Millie Gordon and her Uncle, Jimmy Johnson; niece, Lisa (Matt) Maher; three Nephews, Brian (Donghui) Erzen, Timothy (Ahnna) Dexter, Andrew (Camille) Dexter. She has three great-nieces and one great-nephew. Formerly employed as a Unit Secretary at St. Mary's Hospital, private home health care, photography at Olan Mills Studio and phone lines for the Crime Stoppers fundraisers. She also enjoyed volunteering and has been part of many events. Her daughter recalls her filling sand bags for flood areas with the American Red Cross and other disaster relief, Christmas help for children with the Salvation Army Angel Tree program and packing food boxes in the basement during the holidays for many years, and with the Marines for Toys for Tots. Debra had a huge heart and was very giving and loving to her friends and family. She was known to give the shirt off her back. If she knew someone in need she did everything she could to help them out even if it meant sacrificing her needs by doing so. Everyone was like family to her. She believed that family is not always just blood, but includes those that God has put in her path. She was a member at Saginaw Valley Community Church in Saginaw, and she enjoyed praise and worship time and dancing, especially when Pastor Kevin was playing his guitar and singing. She had a very close relationship with Pastor Brenda Nolish, who was a wonderful mentor to Debra. Pastor Larry Kilpatrick visited her daily in the hospital. He prayed over her and kept her daughter company as she stayed by her mom’s side and supporting her during critical times. Her entire church family and Pastors were with her daily sometimes, even at late hours or middle of the night if a critical situation happened during her two months in ICU. They prayed over her and looked out for her, also prayed for her daughter and grandchildren and watched over them. Debra's daughter is extremely grateful to the entire Saginaw Valley Community Church for all their love and support. Debra had many life-long friends who were like brothers and sisters to her. She has many cherished memories with them over the years. Debbie Stenger was like a sister to her. The two of them carried a special bond and were each other's support system. Debra loved her dear friend, Debbie and her children, Stacy, Heather, Phillip and Anthony, like her own children and treated them as such. Debra also loved Stacy and Heather's children like her own grandchildren. Debbie recalls her friend as kind-hearted and loving. Sally Bennett and Debra share memories and wonderful times together over their many years of friendship. They had many fond memories that Sally will cherish of her dear friend, Debra. Sally spent the last few weeks of Debra's life right by her side. She took watch along-side Rachael, Debra's daughter. The two of them took shifts. Both spending nights and sharing the days together in supporting each other. They only left Debra's side to go home and shower and spend time with their own children or grandchildren. Sally remembers Debra being by her side when she was ill and that Debra supported her during that time and helped her fight through it. Ruth Hildago and Debra had so many fun memories and laughs together. Ruth has grandchildren and great-grandchildren that Debra loved very much. They spent some special times together over the years. Deb will be missed by Ruth! Steven Lamblin had become an honorary brother to Debra and was a very dear friend. Debbie cherishes Steve's children and grandchildren very much. They have seen each other through some rough times and good times. She will be sadly missed by Steve. Dee Dupuis has been one of Deb’s life-long friends. They celebrated their bariatric surgery weight loss by taking a cruise together. Jeanie Saldana was Deb’s friend, she called her Goddi. The two of them were like two teenagers together, very carefree. It is a huge loss for Jeanie. Mary Yuchaz has been part of Deb’s life for many years. Debra enjoyed going up to Mary's home and just having some girl-time together. Daily morning and night phone calls that could go on for hours. Debra will forever hold a place in her dear friend’s heart! Debra was greeted in Heaven by her mother, Joan, her father, Leon and her brother, Timothy, who all have predeceased her. She is in the loving presence of many family members and friends who have been waiting for her arrival and will be by her side as she transitions from her earthly home to her eternal home. She is now a guardian angel, above her loved ones much liked the ones she liked to collect. Rachael has a special message: I would like to take this time to personally thank all the Doctors and each and every one of the Nurses at Covenant Harrison, 6 Floor ICU, for the wonderful care you gave my mother over these past two months. You became more than just nurses, you were family to us. My mother had a close bond with many of you! You watched over me and my mom’s loved ones as if we were your patients as well. From cups of ice, a few laughs and even making up the recliners with sheets and pillows for Sally and I to sleep in by mom’s side. I always felt welcomed and needed in the medical care of my mom. We used to joke that you guys were going to make a nurse out of me yet! Most of all, you provided advice and guidance during difficult times and shoulders to cry on when needed. I am going to miss the staff dearly. You have become a part of my life in a special way. I thank you so much for everything you did for my mom, myself and her loved ones as well. God bless each and every one of you! Debra liked to live life on her terms. We all knew she was a wild one. She had many sides to her but her overall love for those around her was genuine. Debra cherished her time with her family, grandchildren and friends. She liked to play bingo, go to the casinos and have fun with friends. She had a special trip to Vegas with her girlfriends, Debbie, Dee and Ruth. She collected angels. Her favorite color was purple. She loved butter pecan ice cream, and watching family feud with Steve Harvey. She genuinely liked to have fun and did not mind doing things her way. In lieu of flowers, donations are being asked to cover Debra’s final expenses. You may contact her daughter, Rachael Jones, for the information to do so. In accordance with Debra's final wishes, her cremation was handled through the Wakeman Funeral Home, Inc., Saginaw. Rachael would like to send a special thank you to Brian Wakeman, for all of his kindness. A Memorial to honor Debra's life will be held 11:00 a.m., September 28, 2016, at the Saginaw Valley Community Church, 3660 Hermansau Drive, Saginaw, MI 48603. Pastor Brenda Nolish and Larry Kilpatrick will officiate. The family will welcome friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow. Being that Debra's favorite color is purple, her family is asking that anyone who plans to attend the service to wear purple in her honor. Thank You !

Tributes

Debra Ann Farrell

May 22, 1957 - September 12, 2016