Debra A. Wendling

Debra Wendling, of St. Augustine, Florida, formerly of Williamsville, New York, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side. Born in Buffalo, New York, and raised in Williamsville, Debra grew up surrounded by family and friends who would shape her into the warm, giving, and spirited woman she became. She graduated from Williamsville South High School and, in 1974, married the love of her life, Michael. Together, they built a life filled with laughter, devotion, and four beautiful children—Michael Jr., Pamela, Jill, and Daniel—whom they raised in the same community where Debra’s own roots had been planted. For many years, Debra devoted herself to being a homemaker, creating a home filled with love, good food, and an open door for anyone who needed a place to belong. Later in life, she shared her kindness and reliability with others through her work in a pharmacy and a doctor’s office, touching the lives of everyone she met. In 2023, Debra and Michael moved to Florida to embrace the sunshine and enjoy their retirement together. Debra’s happiest moments were those spent with her family—cooking big meals, tending her garden, walking along the beach, paddleboarding, traveling to visit her children, and sharing special time with her eight beloved grandchildren. She had a gift for making others feel loved and cared for, whether it was through a home-cooked meal, a listening ear, or a helping hand.

Debra is survived by her devoted husband, Michael; children Michael Jr. (Rachel), Pamela (Jorge), Jill (Justin), and Daniel; her treasured grandchildren; siblings Sandra (Rich), Diane (preceded by Jim), Daniel (Chris), Penny (Dave), and Brian (Eileen); and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her siblings Gregory and Patricia (Michael). A woman of faith, Debra was a parishioner of St. Joseph’s University Parish in Buffalo, NY, and a member of the St. Augustine Film Society. Her life was a testament to the power of love, generosity, and family, and her legacy will continue in the hearts of all who knew her. Visitation will be held at PERNA DENGLER ROBERTS Funeral Home, 1671 Maple Rd in Williamsville, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday August 22, with a Celebration of life followed by a reception to be held at the same location at 10 a.m. on Saturday August 23.In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations made to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org.