I had the pleasure of working with Debbie at Newport,she will be missed.

Pete, I am so very sorry to learn of Deb's passing ! I have been thinking of her so much lately.  She was an amazing person whom I will never forget. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your boys. May God bless you.

Pete, from reading all the condolences I know your wife was a wonderful and caring person.  I hope you and your sons cherish all the memories that the family shared.  You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Debbie, I'm so sorry I didn't know. I was just thinking of you this week... We haven't been in touch over the last few years, but I always think of you when your birthday is coming up - you're 11 days older! God be with your family and I know you're at peace and with your mom, "Aunt Joyce".  With much love, Lynn

Pete - Maryjo and I are so sorry to hear Debbie passed.  We didnt find out until yesterday.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. 

Larry and Maryjo Richardson

Heaven has recieved another Angel. We will miss you and think of you often. Rest in peace my friend.

Just recently heard of Debbie battle with cancer.  She & I worked together as respiratory therapist in home care many years ago.  She had such a zest for life, I am very sorry she was taken from this world prematurely.
With my deepest sympathy,
Gale Burkins

Debbie was my daughter's Alexa coach for several years at BAAC.  She saw that Alexa had the potential to be a great swimmer when she was only 7.  Alexa thrived on Debbie's strong work ethic and spirit.  To this day Alexa still appreciates all that Debbie did for her.  We are all sadden by this news.  Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Sakell Family.

Thoughts and prayers for the family.  Debbie was welcomed on the pool deck by colleagues just as she was welcomed into eternity by her Maker. Loved working with you. Rest in peace, Debbie.

I met Debbie through Maryland Swiiming and spent several years working with her on the board.  It was an honor and pleasure to know and work with her. She will truly be missed!

 Miss Debbie, you were a very important part of my family swimming world for several years. Jose and Luis always will be grateful for your coaching and leadership.
In the hearts and souls of the Rodriguez family you always be remembered with respect and love.
 Aurelio, Wendy ,Jose and Luis Rodriguez

You're forever in my heart 
I'll carry you here always . . .

I met Debbie on the pool deck.  She immediately because a great mentor for me as a strong woman and official.  She ran great meets and was cared for deeply by those who worked with her.  

We will miss you Deb!  Love, Betsy Coe, NBAC

Thoughts and prayers for Deb's family. It was a pleasure having worked with her as a swim official. My life is blessed having known her.

I only knew Debbie through USA Swimming but from my experience, I can say that she was a real Pro.  Working with Debbie was fun and she will be missed.  I'm sure that all of Heaven will be smiling with the addition of their newest referee!  I pray for peace and comfort for her family and friends.

Debbie, you are now with God and his family of angels.  May you rest in peace.

It's been very hard for me to think of a short version of what my oldest sister, Debbie, means to me and I'm going to do my best.  Debbie played a lot of different rolls in my life due to our mother having to raise 3 girls on her own.  She sacrificed a lot to make sure that her little sister could live as best a life as possible and for that I will be forever indebted to her.  I know it wasn't an easy job.  I tried my best to make her proud of me.  When she moved away to Florida at 18, it broke my heart and later I understood she needed to be able to live her own life.  I couldn't wait for her to come visit or Mom & I to go visit her.  Deb played the role of a mother, a father, and a sister.  As an adult, I did everything I could to gain her approval.  With our busy lives and the distance we lived away from each other, we didn't spend as much time together as I would have liked to.  But, I have some really good memories that I will cherish forever and I also have a loving brother-in-law and two wonderful nephews Debbie has left for me to enjoy.  Debbie was extremely special to me and I just can't put into words how much I'm going to miss her.  Someday, I know I will be able to see her and my mom again, but right now it just really hurts that I don't have either one of them.  I love you Debbie, but just don't want to say goodbye!  Your little sister, Kathy.

One day Pete brought Deb to our house for us to meet this blind date he really liked. That was over 30 yrs.ago. We were  there when their two beautiful boys Nick & Willie were born. She was a great mother and a great friend. We loved her may you rest in peace with no more suffering. I know your mom is glad you are with her. God Bless

Ms. Debbie-
You were truly a second mother to my sisters and I, and to many others in the swimming community. I spent more time at your house for a few years there than I did at my own. Your boys were like our brothers and I feared and respected you as a parent, side by side with them. You were an amazing coach; one of the first who truly made each swimmer take responsibility for their own performances...a lesson we all needed for the sport and for life. Your commitment and passion for everything you did in your life; from your family, to your work, to triatholons, to officiating, and even to your Harley is unmatched by anyone I have ever seen. You truly gave 100% to everything you ever took on. Thanks for all the memories and love you showed for us. I know you will watch over Nick and Willie and Mr. Pete. We love you and will miss you forever.

Deb... Who will tell me where to plant my flowers, help me teach the dog manners and sit up til' 2:00a.m. texting about our worries? I can't imagine life on Van Dyke Lane without you. I will miss you terribly friend, but I will feel you in the cool breeze...or...a strong wind that knocks me on my butt and tells me to be stronger, fight harder and live livelier. Rest easy. Love, Lisa

Ms Debbie,
You always pushed us to succeed and never settled for mediocrity. I still think of the debates we would have over plant names and what the lighting needs were for your landscaping. Thank you for touching us all. You will be missed deeply. I know Nick and Willie will both carry on your strong spirit.

I met Mrs. Debbie many years ago at the club and had the privilege of being coached by her.   She was incredibly enthusiastic and always knew how to make me laugh.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Adam Broadwater and Family

Debbie was an extended member of our family for 30 years. Pete, Debbie and the boys shared every Christmas Eve with us.  She would get behind the bar and make drinks for us with a smile and much love.  She was a detemined, kind and fun woman, I love and will miss you.  Rest now Debbie you are with your mom and at peace. xoxoxo

I thoroughly enjoyed working side by side with Debbie at Maryland swim meets.  She was a great referee concerned for swimmers, coaches, and fellow officials.  My prayers are with the family.

"Boy don't touch my radio!" said Debbie, half serious as she swatted Nick's hand one afternoon on our way to swim practice... A silly memory indeed, but an unforgettable one of many that I cherish with Debbie and the boys. Her witty personality and undeniable love for her family is something I will never forget. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Sakell family during this difficult time. Rest in Peace, Jackie Gonzalez

You will be missed!   Wife, Mother, Mentor, Coach and friend  to all.  The memories will last forever!  Our thoughts and prayers our with Pete and the boys.

Deb, your were like a sister (family) we were friends for over thirty years. Jimmy was yours and Pete's best man. We are God parents to your son Nick and like grandparents to Willie. So many wonderful memories. I truely loved being with you as you battled your brain cancer, you really fought hard. You raised two wonderful boys that will make you proud. We love and miss you may you rest in peace.

So many wonderful memories...You were such a great mom and friend.  I pray Pete, Nick & Willie have your strenth to move foward and live the full  life you would want for them! As you walk to the Light,  we will all miss your energy and kind heart.  GOD BLESS THE ENTIRE SAKELL FAMILY, you are in our prayers.                                     Sue Lazzaro & family

Pete we are so sorry for your loss. Your family at Harley-Davidson of Baltimore....

I love you Deb, I pray for the family that we find comfort in the lord and strength for Pete and the boys to deal with this great loss. Rest in Peace and Love. I know that Joyce was there to guide you. I will see you again some day.

My Sister my Friend for MANY years. Debbie had a special way about her that no one else could touch, yet she touched the lives of many. It is with the deepest of sadness that I must say good-bye to my Sister, the suffering has ended for you and you are now at peace. I ask for  Prayers for her husband Pete, sons Nick and Willie that they may persevere this terrible loss. Godspeed Debbie I always loved you.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time Debbie was full of life and fun loving she will be missed by all!  Love Katie Landon

Debbie was a wonderful wife, mother and friend.She will be missed but am sure she will be watching over her family from above.  God bless!!!  Love Kenny and Joann

My cousin, Debbie, sought to live a life of joy and passion. We were closer than most cousins and graduated High School together. She found her soulmate in Pete and built her family on those principles with him. God, take care of her in her time of peace.

I met Debbie and Pete through their son Nick.  Deb and I became close friends and I will truly miss her.  She was always full of energy and had a passion for living life to the fullest. Rest in peace my friend and be comforted that you were a amazing mother, wife and friend.  God Bless.
Colleen Ball

Godspeed to you, Debbie.  May your heart be happy and your soul be at peace.  
Love, 
Michele

I worked with Debbie many times on deck at meets in USA and HS swimming and she always did a great job.  Our thoughts are with the family.  She was a great leader and a terrific asset.

OBITUARY

Deborah Joyce Sakell

16 November, 1956 – 6 November, 2012

Schimunek Funeral Home

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