Deborah “Debbie” Mae VanOflen, age 66, died Saturday, Aug. 21.
While she couldn’t communicate in the traditional way because of her cerebral palsy, her smile, her expressions, and her eyes said it all. Everyone who met her grew to love her for her beautiful smile, her determination, and her passion for helping where she could. She loved her family and animals, especially her dogs.
She resided with and is survived by her sisters Jamie Cardosa and Becky (Mark) Meyer; nephews Nathan (Nicole) Cardosa, Michael (Courtny) Cardosa, Dan (Rachel) Cardosa, Brett (Amber Beimers) Meyer; great-nephew Landen Cardosa; great-nieces Raegan Cardosa, Remi Cardosa, Mila Cardosa, Jennifer “JJ” Cardosa, baby Cardosa; her best friend whom she loved for over 50 years, Bud Richards; special friends Deb Regal, Alice Donahue, Joan McLain; and special nurses Jackie, Carol, Jeanette, Jeannine, Sue.
She was preceded in death by her parents Jim and Jennie VanOflen and special aunt, Vivian Yerrick, who were her caretakers for most of her life until their deaths.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021 at Kubiak-Cook Funeral Home, 312 N. Main St., Wayland. A celebration of life will be held 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 30, with one hour of visitation prior to the service, at Kubiak-Cook Funeral Home.
In honor of Debbie and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mackenzie’s Animal Sanctuary, 8935 Thompson Road, Lake Odessa, MI 48849.
Thank you David Young for writing such a lovely tribute. Debby had such a gentle soul. She was truly blessed to have been surrounded by such loving, caring people all of her life. Debby will be greatly missed. God bless and keep you.
I edited, but did not write the story.