Debra Ann Benike Brabson

Debi Brabson, 57, of Sarasota, Florida passed away on Saturday April 22, 2017. She earned her “Pink” angel wings surrounded by her loving family. Debi was very sick for 20 months but made a goal to be living with cancer not dying of it. Debi felt so embraced from so many people while she fought her illness. She was born in Beaver Dam, Wis. on June 28th, 1959. Raised in Madison, Wis. She graduated from Memorial High. Moved to Venice, Fl. as a young adult and worked at the Crow’s Nest Restaurant, where she met Bob and they were married on June 15th, 1991. Debi is survived by her loving husband Bob, two sons, Josh & Robby and her two beloved cats, Nico & Baby. Sisters, Elizabeth (Mike) O’Connor of Venice & Julie (Gary) Padley of Madison, Wis, Nephews & Nieces, Kevin & Patrick O’Connor, Megan, Jacob, Grant, Crystal Padley & Devon Benike, who all will miss their Aunt Dee Dee very much. Her In-Laws, Pat & George Rietzel both who are battling cancer and was an inspiration to Debi to keep the fight. All of her very “Best Friends”, especially Lisa Brummett, Mora Veltri, Kasia Logan, Stephanie Chan, Marge Coleman Jackel, Jeannie Gartenberg, Leahann Vaughn, Gina Gregoria, Abby Piccioni, Mary Moore, Mary Beth Bumbarger, Beth Martin, Cindy Shedden, Charlene Hinkel, June Busby, Kris Runde, Terri Teigland, Rose Pearcey, Nancy Carr, Nikki Young, Kala Sheckler, Jacqui Rodgers, Tim Ermus, Mark & Maggie Sharff, Jeff Kommuck and so many more. Debi had more “Best Friends” then anyone. Special Thanks to Dr. Patel and his caring staff at Florida Cancer Specialist and Dr. Justin Lee at SMH Radiology and his wonderful staff. Debi made over 125 visits to these and other medical facilities for chemo treatments, shots, lab work, scans and a few surgeries during her illness and she will never complain. She endured so much pain and kept doing treatments until she just could not physically do anymore, but she always keeping her Faith. A Special Thanks to Tidewell Hospice’s volunteer, Ann and nurses, Rammi, Linda & Robin. With Church life, hair stylist, home care, serving on school committees and being a Team Mom, Debi was just so full of energy and excited about life. She was very devoted to her family. The “Best of Times” were watching her sons play youth baseball. A Huge Green Bay Packer Fan and a Tampa Bay Rays Fan the family was always involved in sports. She was also a fabulous cook and hosted many holiday dinners for her family and friends. Debi’s generosity was boundless and she had an infectious laugh. To know her was to love her. Her anonymous acts of kindness are too numerous to count and it was a testament to the person she was. She had boundless energy and a zest for life! Debi spent countless hours volunteering for any cause that was needed. She had a pure soul with unending capacity to love. A true and loyal friend to all and a servant to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her family and friends made her as comfortable as possible to get her from “Here to Eternity”. Debi, our earth angel will truly be missed here, but she is now without pain and with her mom, dad, brother Mark & nephew Michael in eternal life in Heaven, with her Pink Angel Wings! Memorial Service: Saturday May 13th at 2pm. Bee Ridge Baptist Church 4210 Proctor Rd. Sarasota 34233 If you feel comfortable please wear something Pink. Refreshments in Friendship Hall following service. Funeral Arrangements: Wiegand Brothers Details at: www.WiegandBrothers.com In lieu of flowers, Donations may be made in Debi’s honor to: Florida Baptist Children’s Home P.O. Box 8190 Lakeland, Florida 33802-9963