Debra Lynn Vasquez's Obituary
Decatur-Debra Vasquez, 47, of Decatur, passed away at 7:56 p.m. Monday, May 3, 2010 at Decatur Memorial Hospital with her family by her side.
Funeral liturgy to celebrate Debra's life will be 11 a.m. Saturday, May 8, 2010 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 2160 N. Edward, Deacon Kevin Richardson celebrant. Visitation will be two hours prior to the services at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
Debra was born August 30, 1962 in Quincy, the daughter of Sam D. Johnson and V. Joyce (Behrens) Graham. She graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a double major in Sociology and Psychology. She was a member of the Kappa Delta Sorority and served on the Pan-Hellenic Council. She was nominated for Homecoming Queen at EIU in 1983. She was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. She served on the St. Patrick School Board. She was the social services director at Lincoln Manor for over eighteen years. She served on the Lincoln Manor Family Council. She was active in the League of United Latin American Citizens in Galesburg. She loved working with her residents and they loved her. She enjoyed shopping, fashion, music, the internet, and watching movies. She married Diego Vasquez July 15, 1989.
She leaves behind her husband Diego, daughters; Alyssa and Samantha, parents; Sam Johnson and wife Carol of Decatur and V. Joyce Graham and husband Bill of Quincy, brother; Aron Johnson and wife Sarah of Decatur, sisters; Melinda Gibson and husband Dale of Quincy and Tricia Johnson of Quincy, father and mother-in-law; Lupe and Jennie Vasquez of Galesburg, brother-in-laws; Victor and Armondo Vasquez both of Galesburg, sister-in-laws; Margie Vasquez of Galesburg, Joan Smith and husband Steve of Galesburg, and Sonya Jones and husband Jeff of Knoxville, and her special dog Basil.
The family would like to give a special thanks to the nurses and staff at Decatur Memorial Hospital and the Cancer Care Specialist of Central Illinois, Dr. Maibenco, Dr Velasco, Dr. Goetter, and Dr. Babich, special friend Karen Vercellino, and everyone for all of their prayers and support during Debbie's illness.
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