Debra Ellen (Brickertt) Sarkine, 53, of Mooresville, passed away suddenly on Monday, January 5, 2026, at Franciscan Health Indianapolis. Her departure was unexpected, and the void she leaves behind is impossible to measure — because anyone who truly knew Deb will remember the laughter, the grit, and the gentle kindness that seemed to follow her wherever she went.
Born on September 22, 1972, Deb was welcomed into the world by her parents, Mitzi Dell (Mayer) Hendrickson and Virgil "Butch" Brickertt. From an early age, she carried a spark — a mix of curiosity, humor, and an occasionally wicked sarcasm — that made her unforgettable.
Deb graduated from Mooresville High School in 1990, then earned her degree in Chemical Engineering from Tri-State (now Trine) University in 1994. She began her career as a Process Engineer in Ohio and Indianapolis before later working at FedEx. No matter where she worked, she had a way of making even the hardest days lighter.
Family, though, was always at the heart of Deb's world.
She married the love of her life, Thaddeus "Thad" Spencer Sarkine, and together they built a home filled with humor, steadfast loyalty, and a deep sense of partnership. Deb was the proud mother of two daughters, Megan Delaina and Kylie Cierra, and there was nothing she would not have done for them.
In 2003, when Megan was just six months old, a serious car accident left her severely injured and facing odds few believed she could overcome. Deb never accepted "impossible." With courage, tenderness, and relentless advocacy, she and Thad devoted themselves to Megan's care for 23 years. Deb's quiet strength during those years — the patience, the late nights, the unwavering hope — defined the very best of her. If love alone could heal, Megan had the very best healer.
Debra will be forever loved and remembered by her husband, Thad; her daughters, Megan and Kylie; her step-father, Kevin Hendrickson (Marilyn); her brother, Michael Kevin Hendrickson; her uncle, Paul Eugene Mayer (Darla Myers); her father-in-law, Robert Lee Sarkine; brothers-in-law Robert G. Sarkine and Jerrell Lee Sarkine (Danielle); numerous nieces and nephews; and her dear "soul sister," Lorena Mendoza.
She is reunited with her adoptive parents, Mitzi and Butch; her grandparents, Edward Arthur Leroy Mayer and Pauline Hays; her uncle, Donald Edward Mayer; and her mother-in-law, Deborah O'Rourke.
Those who knew Deb will remember her humor, her stubborn determination, and her deep compassion. She might tease you, make you laugh, or give you a sarcastic look — but she would also show up when it mattered, and she would give whatever she could. That generosity continued even in death. As an organ donor, Deb's final gift will help others — a fitting reflection of the way she carried her heart through the world. If she could help someone, she did.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the Indiana Donor Network Foundation, Riley Hospital for Children, or your favorite charity of choice.
A celebration of Debra's life and legacy will be held at a later date, where family and friends will gather to share stories, laughter, and the love she left behind.
Born on September 22, 1972, Deb was welcomed into the world by her parents, Mitzi Dell (Mayer) Hendrickson and Virgil "Butch" Brickertt. From an early age, she carried a spark — a mix of curiosity, humor, and an occasionally wicked sarcasm — that made her unforgettable.
Deb graduated from Mooresville High School in 1990, then earned her degree in Chemical Engineering from Tri-State (now Trine) University in 1994. She began her career as a Process Engineer in Ohio and Indianapolis before later working at FedEx. No matter where she worked, she had a way of making even the hardest days lighter.
Family, though, was always at the heart of Deb's world.
She married the love of her life, Thaddeus "Thad" Spencer Sarkine, and together they built a home filled with humor, steadfast loyalty, and a deep sense of partnership. Deb was the proud mother of two daughters, Megan Delaina and Kylie Cierra, and there was nothing she would not have done for them.
In 2003, when Megan was just six months old, a serious car accident left her severely injured and facing odds few believed she could overcome. Deb never accepted "impossible." With courage, tenderness, and relentless advocacy, she and Thad devoted themselves to Megan's care for 23 years. Deb's quiet strength during those years — the patience, the late nights, the unwavering hope — defined the very best of her. If love alone could heal, Megan had the very best healer.
Debra will be forever loved and remembered by her husband, Thad; her daughters, Megan and Kylie; her step-father, Kevin Hendrickson (Marilyn); her brother, Michael Kevin Hendrickson; her uncle, Paul Eugene Mayer (Darla Myers); her father-in-law, Robert Lee Sarkine; brothers-in-law Robert G. Sarkine and Jerrell Lee Sarkine (Danielle); numerous nieces and nephews; and her dear "soul sister," Lorena Mendoza.
She is reunited with her adoptive parents, Mitzi and Butch; her grandparents, Edward Arthur Leroy Mayer and Pauline Hays; her uncle, Donald Edward Mayer; and her mother-in-law, Deborah O'Rourke.
Those who knew Deb will remember her humor, her stubborn determination, and her deep compassion. She might tease you, make you laugh, or give you a sarcastic look — but she would also show up when it mattered, and she would give whatever she could. That generosity continued even in death. As an organ donor, Deb's final gift will help others — a fitting reflection of the way she carried her heart through the world. If she could help someone, she did.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the Indiana Donor Network Foundation, Riley Hospital for Children, or your favorite charity of choice.
A celebration of Debra's life and legacy will be held at a later date, where family and friends will gather to share stories, laughter, and the love she left behind.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Debra Ellen Sarkine, please visit our flower store.
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