Debbie was born the daughter of Robert and Dorothy (Daigneau) Bradford on February 5, 1958 in Detroit, Michigan. She graduated from Cody High School, class of 1976. Debbie married her high school sweetheart Alan Aouate on December 15th, 1978 at Saint Thomas Aquinas church in Detroit. Debbie and Alan raised their four daughters in California, Michigan, and Florida. Debbie dedicated her professional career to special needs students and young adults with disabilities in both the Tallahassee and Rochester Community School systems.
Debbie had a servant heart and found joy in giving and caring for others. She was a social butterfly devoted to her family and friends, which resulted in many deep and lasting friendships. She often brought people together through parties and holidays, and her craft skills earned her the title of “Martha Stewart.” Debbie traveled the world with her family and treasured the opportunity to create memories and see sights she never imagined. Above all, Debbie’s most cherished role was mother, wife, and Mimi and her family will live in the path of strength, connection, and adventure that she forged.
Debbie is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, Alan Aouate; daughters Melissa, Lauren, Rachel, and Haley Aouate; grandson Sawyer Aouate-Simmons; sisters Sandy Brink, Pat Vaquera, Sue Bradford, Sharon Muller, and Karen Loyer; many nieces and nephews; and lifelong friends. She is predeceased by her parents and brothers, James and Robert Bradford.
Debra’s family welcomes all to a visitation on Monday March 15th, 2021, from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. with a rosary service at 7 p.m. and a sharing of memories time at 7:30 p.m. at Pixley funeral Home, located at 322 W. University Drive in downtown Rochester, Michigan. Debra will lie in state on Tuesday March 16th, 2021 from 11:30 a.m. until the time of funeral mass at noon at St. Andrew Catholic Church, located at 1400 Inglewood Avenue in Rochester. Burial will follow at Guardian Angel Cemetery in Rochester Hills.
Memorial contributions may be made in Debra’s honor to Rochester Community Schools Adult Transitions Program, Dutton Farms, or Ronald McDonald House of Detroit. Links to all three charities can be found under donations on this site.
Debra worked at Rochester Community Schools Adult Transitions Program and Services. The program serves special education students who are 18-26 years of age to maximize daily living skills, enhance job readiness and to develop independence in the community. Use the drop down menu to designate "Memorials (In Memory Of)" and then add ATPS to the "Note of Dedication" comment field.
At Dutton Farms, many of Debra's special needs students work with this organization, the mission being empowering and supporting adults with disabilities to live a life of purpose, inclusion and dignity. Very close to her heart. Please indicate in the comment field that the donation is in memory of Debbie Aouate.
