Deborah Burnett Safranski

Deborah Joan Safranski (Burnett), beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed into eternal joy on February 5, 2015. She is survived by her devoted husband Steve; her children, Chris (Andrea, Royal Oak, MI); Chad (Josephine, Nunica, MI); Misha (Harper Woods, MI); Brad (Glen Burnie, MD), and Ben (Chrissy, New Derry, PA); her sister, Barbara Smiley (Cary, NC), along with 15 grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Evelyn (Rogers) Burnett, and her brother, Ronald. She died surrounded by family at her home in Hamilton, MI never having given in to the cancer that could only take her body, but never her faith, spirit or hope.

Debby was born August 2, 1950 in Bay City, MI. She married her lifelong love, Steve, in Bay City on June 15, 1968.

Debby and Steve raised their children in Midland, MI and Raleigh, NC, with many other stops and adventures along the way. Steve’s career took them numerous places and Debby cheerfully accompanied him wherever duty called. Debby ran a successful dance studio in Midland, providing art, fun and entertainment to hundreds of students and thousands of their family and friends, filling the Midland Public Library Auditorium with laughter, tears and applause for a decade of recitals. A concert level pianist and gifted teacher, she imparted the love of music to scores of students over the years as well.

Debby loved to tell and retell the stories of her family’s travails, so much so that she and Steve self-published three books, and Debby surely had many more waiting to be born from her imagination. She was truly the family historian, never letting the opportunity pass to remind her family of their triumphs, tears, memories and shared experiences.

Debby exemplified the values most central to a wife and mother. She stood by Steve through the darkest times of life, through physical sickness and spiritual trial. She loved her children through their victories and defeats in life, always forgiving, always “leaving the light on” for them with her faith and her unconditional love.

Debby never moved with more grace, confidence and purpose than when she danced. When she taught, she inspired. But when she danced, she soared. She is dancing now in heaven, and no one who ever met her could doubt it.

Cremation has taken place. A Catholic funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Visitation in Byron Center, MI on February 23, 2015 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to St. Mary's Visitation School Fund, the Harbor Humane Society in West Olive, MI, St Jude's Children's Hospital, Memphis, TN or a similar charity of your choice .

“Love her as in childhood

Though feeble, old and grey.

For you’ll never miss a mother’s love

Till she’s buried beneath the clay.”

“A mother’s love is a blessing,

No matter where you roam,

Keep her while you have her,

You’ll miss her when she’s gone.”

“Sing your song. Dance your dance. Tell your tale.”

― Frank McCourt, Angela's Ashes