Deborah A. Owens, compassionate caregiver
Deborah A. Owens, 65, of Lewes passed away Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020, at her home. She was born Oct. 5, 1954, in Philadelphia, Pa., daughter of Joyce Powell and the late Robert Neerland.
Debbie had a huge heart and was a bright light in so many people’s lives. At age 11, she was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, and through all the obstacles she faced with her health, she was never one to complain. At age 36, she gave birth to her daughter, Caitlin, and was beyond grateful to have been given the gift to conceive. Shortly after her pregnancy, Debbie completed nursing school at Beebe School of Nursing. She worked within Beebe Hospital and gave compassionate care to every one of her patients. Prior to marrying into the Owens family, Debbie was warmly welcomed by Jim’s mother and eight brothers and sisters. She quickly became the “sixth sister.” Debbie had a deep appreciation for the arts, especially the ballet, and took classes into adulthood. Her love for Broadway was known by everyone.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful staff at Beebe Healthcare and Fresenius Kidney Care, who cared for Debbie over the last year.
In addition to her father, Debbie was preceded in death by her stepfather, Benjamin Powell; her grandmother, Edith Goodwin; her mother-in-law, Marilyn Owens; and her aunts: Marianne Owens and Fay Santangini. She is survived by her beloved husband of 35 years, James M. Owens of Lewes; her mother, Joyce Powell; her daughter, Caitlin A. Owens of Lewes; her brother, Richard Neerland (Deborah) of Ridley Park, Pa.; and her nieces: Jacqueline Neerland and Julie Neerland. Debbie is also survived by her in-laws, the Owens Family, to whom she became the sixth sister; and her extended families in Minnesota, the Neerlands and Blewitts.
A celebration of Debbie’s life will be held Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 3 p.m., at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where friends may visit beginning at 2 p.m. Interment will take place at a later date at Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield, Pa.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing protocols must be observed and masks must be worn by everyone participating in any aspect of the services.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Debbie’s memory to The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, JDRF, PO BOX 37920, Boone, IA 50037-0920, the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Please visit Debbie’s Life Memorial Webpage and sign her online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
