Debra Ann Graus was born in Detroit MI on June 20 1957. She was the oldest of three kids. She grew up in Warren MI and was a happy child despite some challenging moments in her life. She was asked to step up as a young child and teenager to help her mom around the house. She loved her mother and taking care of her younger siblings. While other teenagers were worried about having fun and living life, she made sure she had dinner and chores done for her mother that had to work multiple jobs to keep a roof over her head.
Debra went to Osborne High School and graduated in 1975. She was a smart and great student. Her favorite subjects were Art and English. She also was a star swimmer in her High School swimming team.
After high school Debra took some community college classes in book keeping. She loved to put things in order, take on challenging tasks while having everything organized.
One interesting thing about Debra many people don’t know is her love for fast cars. She once owned a black and gold 1978 Pontiac firebird trans am. It was one of her prized possessions that she loved to talk about. She even raced cars on Woodward back in the day. The time she had to race and get away from the police was one of her favorite stories to tell with a big smile and laugh.
Debra went on to meet the love of her life Paul and settle down and have her two beautiful children Paul John and Chantal. Never thinking she could have kids she viewed hers as her little miracles. Her family was her pride and joy.
Putting her love for book keeping and children together she started working at Our Lady of Loretto first as a lunch mom working her way to secretary and latch key mom. You could hear her laughter down the hallways. Always participated in school functions like parent teacher conferences, PTO meetings, sport games and tournaments and more. She loved to be able to work with her children not too far away and seeing her friends everyday.
After Loretto’s closing Debra went on to enjoy watching her children grow up to do amazing things. She was able to see her daughter graduate from college. Watch both kids advance in their respected careers. And finally enjoy some good quality time with her husband and dogs once the kids left the house. One thing about Debra is how happy she would get to see her family happy. As long as her kids and husband were good, she was good. Up until her dying day.
Debra was truly a rare, one of a kind soul. She will forever been known for her big beautiful smile and that unique loud laugh that would fill a room with laughter. Her energy was felt by everyone when she walked in the room. Humble at the highest order but still had that little sass to her when she wanted to be well...saucey as her children would tell her.
Debra was such a selfless Christian. A woman who loved Christ and instilled that love and faith into her families lives. Debra loved people. Love kids. Loved helping people. Always thinking about what she could do for others. She dedicated her entire life to her family. Always putting herself last to make her family happy and always made sure her family was provided for. Her patience, advice, wisdom, comfort, support was like no other.
You could talk to Deb about anything, no matter how good or especially how bad the news was, she would let you express while she would truly listen to you. She made you feel safe and comfortable. Her personality was so cute and silly. No matter what mood you're in, Deb could put a smile on your face. Such a compassionate and beautiful heart. Think that's why she was a "crier”, she just felt people’s pain and also their happiness. Debra will laugh with you and also cry with you. She made you feel you were loved, made you feel important and special. Deb just had that magic twinkle about her witch made it so easy to fall in love with her, easy to never forget her beautiful memory and legacy she left behind for her family.
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