So few knew her real first name but many knew her for her gentle heart. Deb died at home with her loving family on July 7, 2018. She was born on January 21, 1953 in Escanaba, Michigan to Frank and Anna Ozimac; she was the youngest of ten children.
She married Peter LaPine at St. Thomas Church in Escanaba on February 12, 1977 and they shared their lives together for over 41 years.
She is survived by her husband, Peter, and their treasured daughter, Lauren Elizabeth. Also, by her brothers, Ken of Escanaba, MI, Robert of Manistee, MI, her sister, Mary of Macomb, MI., and by many wonderful nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, and by several siblings: Joseph, Tom, Don, Melvin, Margaret, and Jeanne.
Deb was a graduate of Ferris State College and she earned a graduate degree from Michigan State University. Although she enjoyed several levels of responsibilities while employed by the State of Michigan, she was most pleased by her accomplishments as the Deputy Director of Workforce Development for the Department of Labor and Economic Growth. She was a devoted mother who found her joy in her own family or with larger gatherings with her own siblings or Peter’s. She enjoyed gardening, Spartan sports, reading, time with friends, and “just putzing” in her kitchen.
Funeral services will be Friday, July 13, 2018, 11 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 955 Alton Road, East Lansing with Fr. Mark Inglot officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
The family wishes to express its sincere gratitude to Dr. Vaibhav Sahai at the University of Michigan Cancer Center for his compassionate care and professional expertise. Deb loved flowers but in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rosary Altar Society at St Thomas Aquinas Church in East Lansing, MI or to the University of Michigan with Vaibhav Sahai Fund in the memo line. Donations to the Sahai research fund can be mailed to Amanda Smith, 1000 Oakbrook Dr., Suite 100, Ann Arbor, MI 48104.
On line condolences may be made at www.greastlansing.com
