Dr. Andrea DeBruin-Parecki (Martin), 71, of Orange City, Florida, passed away on Friday, May 13, 2022, with family by her side. She was born to Stephen DeBruin (deceased) and Blanche DeBruin, January 23, 1951, in New York, New York.
Andrea, a tireless advocate for childhood education, graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of California, Berkeley, and both a Master's Degree in Educational and Developmental Psychology and a Doctorate from the Combined Program of Education and Psychology from the University of Michigan. Andrea was widely recognized for her work in early childhood education and family literacy. Authoring several books and numerous articles, Andrea’s career included serving as a Senior Fulbright Specialist in Guatemala focused on working with teachers of young children, an Associate Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Northern Iowa, the Graduate Program Director and Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education at Old Dominion University, and a Principal Research Program Manager in the Policy Evaluation and Research Center in the area of Early Childhood at the Education Testing Service. Andrea relentlessly advocated for diverse communities and focused on establishing effective literacy-related programs designed to positively impact families, teachers and schools all over the United States.
Andrea is survived by her loving husband, Chuck Martin, who she married in 2008 and her four cats (Beau, Sydney, Theo, and Maddie). Together they lived in Michigan, Virginia, and New Jersey before settling in Orange City, Florida. In addition to her husband, Andrea is survived by her three children: Emily Harris of Cedar Falls, Iowa; Josh Parecki, of the Woodlands, Texas; and Larissa Parecki, of Folsom, California. She’s also survived by her mother, Blanche DeBruin, and her brother, Dr. Robert DeBruin, both of Folsom, California; and three grandchildren, Annabelle, Logan, and Savannah.
In her retirement, Andrea embraced her role as a proud Nana, doting on her grandchildren and showering them with love. Nana showed that love by spending joyful time with her grandchildren, and countless hours honing her baking skills and making delicious cookies, cakes and candy. Both have left memories that will last their lifetimes. Andrea also loved making memories with her husband, Chuck, while Disney cruising and spending time at the parks where she cherished the magic of the mouse.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.deltonamemorialfuneralhome.com for the DEBRUIN-PARECKI family.
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