Delia Rosaura Debels

Delia Rosaura Valdizan Debels, age 93, peacefully passed from this life on January 18, 2021 in Alexandria, Virginia. She was born on January 9, 1928 in Lima, Peru, to Delia Maria Riva Valdizan and Jorge Aurelio Valdizan. After making a connection in an English class, Rosaura married Roger Michel Debels of Ghent, Belgium, on December 18, 1954 in Washington, D.C. Her life was devoted to being a loving wife, mother, grandmother and devout Christian. Rosaura was known for deeply caring for her family, friends and neighbors. A teacher by vocation, she also enjoyed volunteering with the Catholic Hispanic community. Living life to the fullest, she frequently took advantage of living near so many monuments, museums and shopping. A sparkling hostess for many dinners she and Roger would host ensured all who attended had a splendid time. Roger would cook his amazing dinners of delectable cuisine, and she would entertain the guests with her charm. She loved to sing and dance, at least to music from “her country,” as Daddy would say, followed by proclaiming her as his queen. They frequently traveled to Belgium and Peru to visit family and returned with many treasured mementos and photos of their trips. Sadly, the recent loss of Roger, her beloved husband of 65 years, and a recently fractured hip proved to be insurmountable events for recovery. We deeply grieve for our loss, but take comfort that Rosaura and Roger are reunited eternally in Heaven. Rosaura was predeceased by her husband, Roger, and her parents; sister, Graciela “Chela,” and brother, Federico. She is survived by their only daughter, Denyse Gisele (Erik) Peterson; grandchildren, Julienne Lauren (Christopher) Mixis and Scott Spencer Peterson, and many nieces and nephews. The family is planning a Celebration of Life in the future. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Virginia Hospital Center Foundation at vhcfoundation.com (specifically, Hospital’s Greatest Need or Emergency Room Fund).