I really enjoy working with Deb Alpers at Hermann Memorial. I have just learned of her death, and it saddened me. She made work worth going, and I appreciate what I learned from her. Rest in peace. From Sharon S.

Deb was an amazing leader and mentor.she brought out the best on the people she worked with.i was stunned with her passing . She was so compassionet and was a good listener. I can never forget the good talks we had every Friday afternoon in her office at SW memorial.my greatest sympathy to the family prayers and thoughts are with you. . May she rest in peace.God Bless.

I was saddened to hear of Deb's passing, my deepest condolences to the family.  May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

 Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
 Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
 That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
 God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

 It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

 God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not  be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me. 

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998

Deb represented an outstanding nurse, perioperative leader and skilled employee for all of us to emulate. We will miss all of the gifts she shared with us at M D Anderson, but we find peace in knowing she did an exemplar job in completing her divine assignment. Praying for the family and all who loved and knew Deb.

Deb was a kind and generous soul who loved perioperative nursing. She gave me a job when no one else would and also supported my doctoral studies. She will be missed.

Deb was an amazing woman and a great leader.  I will treasure the memories of her smile and the twinkle she would get in her eye when she found something to be truly entertaining.  She will be greatly missed at M.D. Anderson.  During this time of grief I wish for all that knew her a solace in knowing that she was at peace and is know with her heavenly father.

I only learned of Deb's passing today.  I am so sorry for your loss.  Deb was someone that I looked up to and admired so very much.  I will miss seeing her smiling face and hearing her laughter.  I will pray for God to give you strength to get through this difficult time.  Deb will always be with us because she is in our hearts.

My sincere condolences to the bereaved family at this most difficult time. May you be comforted by reflecting on the many wonderful memories that you can cherish forever.

I am so sorry for your loss, we here at MD. Anderson perioperative will miss her very much. Sonia Flournoy CNA

To the family sorry for your lost. Praying for your strength and guidance in the lord. I remember her at MD. Anderson with her wonderful smile. May god bless you.

I only learned of Deb's passing today. I was so saddened by the news. She was a wonderful director and boss. I often harassed her about her messy office but always noticed that the family photos were clearly visible. When I asked her questions about her family she beamed with pride. There is nothing  more that can be said about her work ethic and professionalism. She was an exceptional human being. God bless the family.
Kay McNair

I vividly remember how Mrs. Alpers so graciously allowed me to interview her for my university Business Administration class. I remember her expertise and humility many years later. My condolensces and prayers are with her family.

Naureen Dhanani

Deb had a loyal following like no other director I have ever known.  I was fortunate to know her when I was a student rotating at SLEH and as an employee at PPH and TMH.  I feel so blessed to have known such a kind, sincere, dedicated, and nurturing person, but like many others my heart hurts.  May God bless her and her family.

Patient, professional, caring, soft spoken, love of family & fiends, patient advocate, dignity, appreciative, leader...Deb.  We never understand  why we lose the bright lights in our lives, we  have only to look up to the stars in the heavens to see that Deb shines down on us every day and that she'll always be with us.  My condolences and prayers for her family.

My prayer for healing:  May the Holy Spirit fill our hearts with love and assist in recovery from our loss.  May our memories of Deb ignite joy deep in our souls and fill our hearts with gratitude, bringing us closer to God.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Alpers family. Deb's kindness and compassion will be greatly missed at MD Anderson.

Deb:
Today I donated blood in your honor.  
Your life let me see...
Tomorrow maybe I'll let more than one car in front of me.

Deb left footprints on the hearts of everyone she encountered.  She made the world a better place. May her love and beautiful memories remain forever in the hearts of her family and all of those who knew and loved her until that glorious day we meet again in our eternal heavenly home!

So sad to hear of Deb's passing. May you RIP now, and let your strong sprit prevail. It was a pleasure working with you the short time I did. May all the great memories of Deb get each one through this difficult time.

Deb was not only my boss, but my mentor. She was devoted and compassionate about her career, her patients and her staff. She was the complete package. She has left a legacy of competence, compassion and excellence at MDA and with me. She will never be forgotten.

My professional relationship with Debbie began in the 1980's when I hired her as a Staff Nurse at Hermann Hospital. I have yet to meet another like her. Given an assignment she accepted it, completed it, and returned for another. Smiling!  I borrow the words of Robert Frost as noone can express the feelings of the heart as the poet can:
   "The rain to the wind said
    You push and I'll pelt 
    They so smote the garden bed
    That the flowers actually knelt
    And lay lodged - though not dead
    I know how the flowers felt."  
Judy Bledsoe - Debbie's Staff Nurse

Deb was my boss, she was generous and kind.  I will never forget her smile.  Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

My condolences to the Alpers family.  I am so very sorry for your loss. Deb will be greatly missed.

Deb's gentle spirit and nursing skill made her an excellent leader.  However, her kind heart made her a treasured friend and colleage as I experienced  at both MH Southwest and MD Anderson.  She was acknowledged and admired for her special gifts and talents in healthcare because she stood out among the crowd.  My condolences to her family at this time of loss.

It was a pleasure working under great leadership. Deepest prayers for her family and friends. Your smile will truly be missed.

Deb was a wonderful mentor and was always the consummate professional.
She will be deeply missed. My prayers and thoughts are with her family.

Deb has left a legacy that will continue for years to come. She raised the bar for her profession and those of us to follow.  Deb will be missed. Hold tightly to the memories you have, and she will live forever in our hearts. May God embrace her into his kingdom forevermore. May you, her family and friends have peace in your hearts knowing you are surrounded by Deb's love.

Deb was a great team player.  I will very much miss working with her as a colleague and friend.

My condolences to the family. She was a pleasure to work with, a great mentor, and  a great friend. I will miss her dearly!

-LaTavia King

I truly thank God for the opportunity to work with Mrs. Alpers I will truly miss her. I will continue to pray that God blesses her family with strength during this difficult time.

Rhonda Ross, PSC @ MD Anderson

I was deeply saddened to hear about Deb.  She was a wonderful person and a Great Director.  She will be greatly missed by all, especially the operating room at MD Anderson!  I will keep everyone in my prayers!

Deb was a kind and compassionate leader. Prayers for the family....

Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family.

Deb always had a smile on her face. She will truely be missed. Keeping her family in my thoughts and prayers.

Debbie was such a super duper friend. I will truly miss her.  My heart and prayers go out to her family.

Deb was a wonderful person and loved her patients and nurses.  Our department is so saddened and she will be truly missed. Prayers to your family and close friends during this time.

Deb always set such a great example for others to follow with  her positive attitude and her ever present smile.  She will be greatly missed.

In the short time that I've known Deb, I've known her to be a person always willing to listen to understand. She tried to view things from all perspectives and would give advice from her thoughts based on each perspective. She had a quiet spirit and was easy to talk to. You will be missed Deb.

Condolences as I had the great pleasure of working with Deb for over 25 years and she was always a compassionate consummate professional. She will be missed.

I had the priveledge of working in the OR with Deb. She was a wonderful nurse, always looking for ways to improve patient care. I am saddened to learn of her passing. I will always remember her caring attitude and gentle manner. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and colleagues. Nursing has lost one of the very best.

Deb was an amazing Mentor to me .  I had tremendous respect for her professional knowledge and caring nature.   The nursing profession will certainly miss her, but her contributions will live on.

Deb was a very respected woman! She was of great character and will be missed! Prayers go out to her family!

Prayers for the Alpers' family. Deb will always be remember as a caring leader.

Deb thank you for your support, mentorship, nd most of all your friendship. You will be sorely missed, you made this world a better place with your kind and gentle spirit. You were a true inspiration to our profession. May you rest in race and may your family find peace knowing you touched the lives of so many.

Prayers for your family during this time. You will be greatly missed . It was a pleasure and blessing to know you and work with you. Love you Deb.

We will always have Deb in our thoughts, our hearts, and her family in our prayers! I am thankful  for the opportunity to work with her at MD Anderson and to witness her incredible character and kindness. God Bless all those she has touched.
Lanique

My condolences to the family.  It was a great pleasure to have known and worked with Deb.

Prayers for peace for the Alpers family during this sad time.  Deb showed a grace and strength I admired.  Godspeed and rest in peace.

Deb was a respected and admired colleague at MD Anderson and will be greatly missed by many. Our deepest sympathies and prayers go out to her family and all those who knew her.

Deb was a soft-spoken, patient but strong leader who made it a priority to teach and mentor others.  Even though the OR was at one time very foreign to me, she opened up that world and was quick to teach in order to bridge our worlds together.  That world was a better place with Deb in it, and I will miss knowing that she's just an email or phone call away.  Prayers to her family and everyone that are feeling heartache and loss at this time.

Deb will be greatly missed in the nursing community for her caring, professionalism and leadership.  She has raised the bar for all of us.  My most grateful memory of her was the kindness she offered to family of a friend of mine who was undergoing complicated surgery.  For years later, her husband never saw me without mentioning how comforted they were during that time.  Debbie, rest now in peace and may your family be as comforted by the caring of your many friends and colleagues.
Elaine Thomson-Keith

Deb, was a great nurse and believed in me. Thank you, I pray comfort and peace to the family. She loved her family. You will live in all of our hearts.

Always had a smile and kind word when you saw her. She was incredibly kind when I started in the OR. She will be missed. My deepest condolences.

My condolences to the family.  May the God of all Comfort bring you peace during this difficult time.

Debbi's kind and gentle spirit made her a GREAT Leader to work with.  I attribute my great success as a Perioperative Educator to her !  I will always remember her for making a positive difference in my life.  May her soul rest in Peace with God and her family be comforted during this time.

Deb was such a pleasant person to work with. She had a contagious laugh,  a smile with a twinkle in her eye meant she was there for you. Thanks for knowing you Deb for almost 28 years and making  me what I am. I am praying for your  family and may God grant u eternal rest.  I will miss you dearly a true friend and my boss forever.

Deb was such a pleasant person to work with. She had a contagious laugh,  a smile with a twinkle in her eye meant she was there for u. Thanks  for knowing you Deb for almost 28 years and making me what I am. I am praying for your family and may God grant you eternal rest. I will miss you Deb dearly a true friend and my boss forever.

Deepest sympathies and prayers for peace at this time.  Deb was a great peer and team mate during our times at St. Luke's.

R.I.P. Deb You will be Greatly Missed. When we worked together at Herman for years you represented what a true O.R. Nurse stood for. We will forever be friends and I hope and know that we will see each other again. What has happenened is that God just took another one of his Angels home.

So deeply saddened by Deb's passing. She has such an amazing spirit, contagious smile, and displayed rare Nursing Leadership qualities that leave a lasting legacy behind at MDACC. Praying for peace and comfort for the family during the difficult days ahead.....Jenise Rice MSN,RN MDACC

Praying for the family. Deborah was well respected in the peri operative  field.

Deb, You are greatly missed. Thank You for your time on this earth and for  all the good you have done. You are a blessing to us all.  It was an honor to know you and work with you.
 May we all  find some peace during these difficult times.

I had the privilege of knowing Debbie when she worked at St. Luke's Hospital. She was a kind, loving, and a very caring person. She was quiet but very approachable and easy to talk to.  Those will be the memories I will keep and remember. 
At this time of grief, I wish the family comfort in knowing that Debbie has found peace, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to hold in your hearts for a lifetime. God bless!

Deb was such an excellent nurse and longtime friend. She was  so funny , sympathetic and empathetic.  She took the time to always thank her colleagues for doing a good job.  May you rest in peace, I will miss our banter.

May God rest her soul in eternal peace and give the family STRENGHT to bear the loss .Our  prayers are with the family.Deb had a kind soul and always had a twinkle in her eyes .

I'm so sorry to learn of the passing of cousin Debbie.  Please know my thoughts are with all of you.

Melanie, I am so very sorry to here of your mom's passing.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and the other members of your family in these most difficult of times.

So very sorry to here of Debbie's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with the Alpers family and friends.

It is very sad to hear of Debbie's passing.  It was a honor and fun to work with her.  The respect for her in the nursing community is great.  Her caring and smile could always light up a room.  I always considered her to be a very gifted nurse not just in practice but it making things better for other nurses and for patient care.  She will be greatly missed.

So sorry for the loss of Deb, keeping her family in my prayers

I could never express my gratitude for your friendship or your mentoring , Deb , but there's one thing I can truly say it is rare to find a person who cares about you the person "wholly"!! May God provide peace and comfort for your family , and a light for your friends to continue with your legacy of caring .. Rest my friend your job is done.. Thank you

I was so sad to hear of Deb's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this difficult time.

On behalf of AORN Greater Houston, we would like to send our deepest condolences to the family. I personally had the opportunity of meeting her and knowing her as my Manager at St. Luke's. She was a phenomenal woman whom imparted so much in many individual's. I pray God comforts and covers you during your bereavement. 

Nikki Washington, AORN Greater Houston

My sincere condolences to the family.May God give you strength and comfort during this time

I was so sad to learn of Debbie's passing.  I worked with her years ago at TCH and she was one of the best nurses I have ever worked with.  She was very kind, competent and such a pleasant nurse.
Later years I would visit with her when she was a leader in the Greater Houston AORN Chapter.  She was such an admirable nurse and gave so much yo her profession.  It was a honor to have known such a sweet person like Debbie.
I send  my very deepest sympathy to her dear family during this difficult time.  I pray for God's presence and comfort always.

Deb was a constant advocate for the  surgical patient and all those that were part of their care. May God please and keep her in the hearts of all those she has touched.

So sorry to hear of her passing.  She was a sweet, caring person.  What a loss to us all.

Many thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

When I think about Deb, I remember her laugh and smile, it was contagious. Even though I wasn't able to spend a lot of time with her, she always stopped and spoke in the hallway at MD Anderson. 
My condolences are with her family, (Matthew 5:4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted!") 
May her soul rest in peace!

Deb was a true leader and had a compassionate heart! It is very hard to find people like her. Hearty condolences to the family. May her soul rest in peace!

Deb was so good to me.  I was stunned by this loss!  I was blessed to have worked with her both at Hermann Southwest and at MD Anderson.  She was such a beautiful person, inside and out.

My condolences to Deborah's family. Please allow the almighty (psalm 83:18) to bring you comfort at this time. And know that he will never forget Her kindness.

I am so sorry for your loss Melanie. You and your family are in my prayers.

I am sorry for your loss.  May God comfort the family cope with your grief.  And may family and friends support and encourage you during the days ahead.

Debbie I will always you for your kindness as a Supervisor and a friend.  And of course the AORN trip to CA.  You talked me into going w u on Disney roller coaster.  I don't like roller coasters.  Especially when they make complete loops around Mickeys ears. When I saw that after
we were on the ride.  You just "oh yeah I forgot to tell you that.  We
laughed about that for years!  I was so blessed to know you and nursing has lost a wonderful spirit here on earth.  May God hold you in the palm of his hand in heaven.

Deb Alpers, a person that will never be forgotten. She made an impact  with her smile,grace and kindness.  Deb has gone home to be with GOD but will always be n my heart.  Thanks  for passing through my life.

John and I are so sorry we can not be here at this time with you. Thinking of you Greg, Gwen, Melanie, and Uncle Jay.

Deb, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.  For everyone you have touched, we will miss you dearly!

Greg ~ Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers!  Tammy (Schaub) Begerow

Deb was such a kind and friendly person. Very professional but always took time to chat if she met you in the halls of MDACC.  I was blessed to have known her.  May the abundant prayers and thoughts comfort your family.
Charlene Mengel 
Cardinal Health

Thoughts and prayers for Greg, Mel, Gwen and family. 

Lots of love,
Penny

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Deb Alpers. My prayers of comfort and peace are with her family. Deb was a wonderful person who possessed a beautiful, caring  spirit. She will be missed by many people but her legacy of selfless service will always remain with us.

My prayers go out to you and your family.Deb,you are a part of what I have become. Your kind attitude,calmness,fairness,leadership is one of a kind.A great example and mentor who will surely will be missed by many.So long, and God will be with you.

Deb was such a wonderful person to work for.  She always made sure we knew we were appreciated.  Deb had a contagious laugh, a fabulous sparkle in her eyes and a peaceful nature.  She was such a beautiful person, inside and out. I will never forget her or what she taught me.  She will truly be missed.  I am praying for her family and friends in this difficult time.  May her soul rest in peace.

Prayers of peace for your family during this time.  Your calming and professional presence will be miss at MDACC.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.  May your memories bring you comfort.

On 12/24/2014 Heaven welcomed an extra special Angel, Deb Alpers RN.  Her life was about improving the present for a better tomorrow.  Deb mentored, led and  befriended many as she sought the best for the patients in her care, her employees and friends! Her ambitious nature led her to touch hundres of thousands of lives.  She will continue to touch even more as her legacy continues through those she touched. May God's peace surround her dearest family and friends!

OBITUARY

Deborah Ann Alpers

May 14, 1958 – December 24, 2014

The Settegast-Kopf Company at Sugar Creek

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