I was looking for Deb online tonight and came across this place. I can't believe this is why I wasn't able to find her. She was a very bright light, a leader, and a warm and compassionate person. I really enjoyed working with her. I am so sorry I just saw this tonight. I believe she is in a wonderful place although I am sure her warm and loving personality is missed. And her awesome sense of humor!

All my love,

Sherri Michaels

Mike- I know it's been 10 years since Deb's passing but I just read about it through some posts on the PEx reunion site. I know we lost touch with each other over the years but just wanted to tell you how sorry I am for your loss of of your beautiful soul mate. I was always envious of the love you two shared during those magical PEx days.
Deb's smile and always being concerned for others left me feeling so good every time our paths crossed. I'm so happy you both shared such a wonderful family together and you have them to support you now and share such fond memories of your years with Deb.
John Peterson

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

My dear little cousin,
It's been so hard for me to write this entry because I don't want to say goodbye. We shared so much growing up. When we were young, I wanted to come and live at your house because we had so much fun together. I've always been so proud of you. Not only were you pretty, you possessed such inner beauty, strength, courage, and love. You could light up a room with your beautiful smile and laugh, and, oh, the stories you could tell....
Until I see you again, Debbie, please know that I cherish the memories. I miss you and love you with all my heart.

I will always remember meeting Deb in Columbus the day she interviewed with Marty, Enidio and I. It was a blizzard, but her star was shining even back then. What a great addition to the PE start up station team and then some. God Bless you and your family.

I have just today received the news that Debbie has passed. May I offer my sincerest sympathies to her children, grandchildren and Mike. Deb & I went through the proving runs for People Express in Columbus, Ohio in 1981. Her energy and laugh was contagious to all who knew her. We lost touch several years after the Cont/PEX merger.
May she rest in Peace.

As I look back on my life, Deb was indeed one of the first true mentors in my life. She selected me from the Cabin Safety Training department to work with her brand-new team in Corporate Training at Continental Airlines back in in the 1980's. I always loved her laugh, her stories from People Express and I clearly remember several fun events in her back yard and at work where she became a friend rather than boss. I learned so much from Deb about being a leader... and over the years her kind guidance helped me grow as a professional and as an adult. Her values of compassion, integrity and love of family still live in my heart to this day. I am a better person having known Deb and her legacy and circle of influence will forever ripple through my life. My sympathy to her family and close friends.

Deb, You were like my other mom all those years we played ball. I know we haven't kept in touch. I will miss you dearly. You were a wonderful woman. We love you and I think of your family often.

I will never forget Deb, and will always be grateful for her friendship and professional support in recent years. She saw the best in people, and was so very loyal.

I cannot believe she is gone; I will miss those hours-long phone conversations!

My 5-year old daughter Persephone had this to say after Deb's memorial service: "Why did she die, Mommy? She was too beautiful to die. . . ."

Deb was such a caring, affectionate and wonderful person who radiated warmth just by being in the room. I have known her for 20 years and I worked with her at CAL Infight Trng Center and always considered her a friend. I lost touch with her personally thru the years but always inquired from others how she was doing. Deb had such a sweet spirit and a way of making everyone that worked for her feel a part of the team. When I left Inflight and went to Flight Ops, she gave me so much encouragement and planned a luncheon for my first day. I will always remember her with fondness. I loved her dearly. May God contine to shed his amazing grace upon her family.

I am sad to learn of Deb's passing. It was an honor and priviledge to work with her at People Express. The times I would run into her over the years would leave me in such a good mood. Her positive nature was contagious. My father was also an OSU alum...she will be in good company. Deb will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Jennie, Josh, and Katie,
What wonderful memories Debbie and I made in the old neighborhood and beyond. She was a beautiful person inside and out and yes, her smile was beautiful and contagious. We will all miss her, but know in our hearts that she is probably dancing with her dad. My prayers continue to be with you all.

Deb,
As Rae said earlier I am also waiting for the phone to ring I still can't believe you have left us. Because you are coming up to the Lake to sit on the back deck tell stories, relax have a glass of wine and just chill out. Penni would always cuddle up beside you because as you said Penni always knew when you were upset and hurting inside, Rae & I will always Cherish those very happy times we spent here on the Lake laughing so much that our sides hurt and we will miss them and you a lot.
Deb thank you for making Rae & I part of your family, those Christmas gatherings were very special, Josh & Amanda's Wedding was fabulous and it allowed us to meet all of your family.
Jennie, Josh, Katie, Tara, Mary Beth, Debs Heart is no longer broken and I know she is at peace, we will all be together again someday so until we do meet Deb again lets all get some good stories to share with her because as you all know nobody liked a good laugh or story more than Deb, and who can ever forget that smile.
God bless Deb my heart will ache for many years to come knowing you are no longer with us. I to wish we could have had one more day together. Rest in Peace.

Deb,
This has been the hardest message to write because I still believe the phone will ring and you will be there. We have been down so many roads together these last 20 years. We've shared laughter, tears, ups and downs, yet through it all you always found a measure of humor and joy in whatever situation you were in. I shall miss your generosity of time and friendship and your devilish sense of humor that got us through rough times. I only wish I could have brought more comfort to you in the last few years.If only we all had one more day with you. However,I know you are at peace and watching over those you love. I will think of you often and remember the lessons you taught me and the friendship you gave. God Bless my friend.

We make a Living by what we get, We make a Life by what we give. DEb you are a great friend to me, I have thought about when I leave this world I want to have made a difference in just one life like you did for me. I want your family to know that you changed my life an helped and help make me into the person I am.

Thankyou Deb I will miss you

Mom,
You gave me life, you showed me love, you demonstrated patience, generosity, and determination. You live in my heart forever, and I close my eyes and talk to you every day. We miss your smile and hugs, but know we'll be together again. Pete has a guardian angel watching over him in you and pa-pa. Lucky boy! I know you are in peace now, and your legacy lives on in so many of us. You are truly special and I will always love you.

Deb, I haven't seen you for many years but I will always remember you as my first smiling, welcoming friend in the old neighborhood. From everything I am reading in this memorial book, you certainly had a productive, wonderful life with great children and many friends. You will definitely be missed. God Bless You and your family.

We worked with Debbie during our wonderful People Express years. She always had a smile on her face and a positive outlook on life. It has been 20 years since we last saw her but she has never been forgotten.

Deb,
I hope you know how much you meant to me and how much I learned working with you over the years. I will always consider you as the best boss I've ever worked for. I am very sad to learn of your passing. I hope your kids will realize what a truly special friend you were to us and how lucky they were to have you as their mother. I will never forget you. God Bless you Debbie.

I was privileged to know Debbie while at People Express, to share a laugh with her and be in the presence of her gentle spirit. May the Good Shepherd comfort you in your grief and lift your eyes to His eternal peace.

DEB, you lite up a room with your smile. I was hoping to see you in January on the Polar Bear Cruise. Josh, Jenny and Katie. I know your loss is great. She is now with Pete and Jane. It was always so much fun to stop and see them. Your Momm will be missed by many of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love Jack & Debra Roth

I remember meeting Deb as a Customer Service Manager on my crew of a B737, probably back in 1981 at People Express. She was truly impressive, which is really saying something in a collection of individuals of the caliber that wandered the halls of the North Terminal back then. Energy, wit, charm, dedication, compassion, intelligence, and a biting sense of humor characterized her.

I'm privileged to have worked with both her and Mike. When my grandfather died unexpectedly, one of his workers handed my grandmother a note at the service. It simply read, "When the Lord goes walking through his garden, he picks His best flowers first." And so it was with Deb.

Her rock-solid "steady as she goes" mentoring through the PEX-CAL "merger" was extraordinary. She talked about "business rather than emotions"and her love of the industry. She really helped me. Where is Joan Schockenbrock?....

Deb,you have always been the sister I never had. I've been there for you as a brother! I thank God we met in 1950. You are missed!

Deb was a lady filled with joy and laughter even in the midst of forces beyond control. Jennie, Katie, and Josh, my heart goes out to you and the rest of your family. Even when you know you are losing someone, the final moments are comprised of every human feeling possible. Fortunately,they are never really lost because memory keeps them in the heart and mind.

She told so many stories about you and was so proud she could pop a button...which she actually did one day when we were talking about you and her laughter became more than she...and her blouse...could handle!

I will never forget her generous offer for me to stay with you when I was going through 2nd/3rd etc. opinions about my own treatment needs. I also received a note from you about how you had decided to arrange bedrooms so I would have a place to rest. Generosity obviously runs in your family and I will never forget it. My wishes for peace and joy and love go with you always.

Your mother and I shared a special time together during our People Express days. We were pregnant together (she with Katie)...and delivered within a day of each other. Daily we shared the experience and grew close. Her beautiful smile and caring ways are what we all remember about her. All who knew her felt fortunate to have shared her life. I hope that you find comfort in the wonderful memories you have of her. I offer you my deepest sympathy. My prayers are with you all.

I first met Deb at People Express and was blessed to know her for many years after. I was deeply inspired by her kind and compassionate heart, her integrity and genuine friendship. My love and prayers are with her family. She will be missed and she will be remembered always.

When first meeting her in 1982, we were so impressed. How smart! How strong! What great leadership! We were all inspired by her, and will miss her greatly. We shall all meet again by and by.

Deb had a heart of gold and her smile was just great, as was her laughter; I always found myself smiling and laughing along with her. Deb told lots of stories about her children and her love for them was obvious to all. I will miss her deeply.
My deepest condolences to her family on their loss.

To the Fortune Family,
Fortune definitely shined on Deb. I first met her at People Express. She was a wonderful mentor then, and her talents and cheerfulness became even more important as we merged with Continental. I will always remember her exuberance as she led our training team to unify people from 5 different airlines into 1. Deb, you drew out the best in me and you will be greatly missed!

Your mom was loved by the many that worked with her at People Express. Hopefully, she can now take a moment and share her joy with my cousin Kim Ross, also from People Express. Kim passed away in July at age 48. May they both rejoice in the Lord! Peace be with all of you - Gary from PEX

Jennie, Josh and Katie, I met your Mom 38 years ago when we all lived in the apartments in Indianapolis where you were born Jennie. We were all young married couples just starting out. Jennie your Mom wore my flip flops during the last few months of her preganancy since her feet were so swollen - she couldn't wear shoes. We used to leave you and our Doug with the same sitter, since we were all going out together. I have so many wonderful memories of your Mom. We went through a lot of difficult times in our lives together, but there were also so many great times also. I know that you will miss her so very much but she will always be in your heart. She was a wonderful person and always had a smile and a story to tell of you children. She loved all of you and the grandchildren with all her heart. I will miss her. May she rest in peace. Love, Dottie Browning

To Deb's family...sincere condolences at this time of heartbreak. Just remember that she is gone, but not forgotten, and that she rests in heaven, probably smiling that pretty smile down upon you all. I remember her from high school...Columbus North High, where we were all finding ourselves in the 60's. The thing I remember most about Debbie was her smile, and that she was always a friendly "girl" to everyone who crossed her path. I'm sure many Polar Bears join me in sending good thoughts your way. Susi Solér, Worthington, OH

You told the funniest stories
of foibles and follies,
why you wore tinted glasses,
adventures with your kids,
adventures about your kids,
what you loved about your kids,
how proud you were of your kids!
... so much love.

You shared beauty secrets
and secrets -- oops it's too late now!
You're inclusive, supportive,
candid, caring and so pretty.
Your face glowed especially when
you were talking about YOUR KIDS!!!

And who could ever forget your smile!
Yes, I'll always remember your smile.

Love you, Deb.

With much aloha for you, your family and
your beautiful, wonderful kids!

B.J.
(Senn-Delaney)

Dear Debbie, Thanks for the memories, way back to our early grade school days. I am so glad to have seen you at our last reunion

Till we meet again
Love Barb Temple Phillips

Deb,
You always shared your smile and knew how to light-up a room. I have wonderful and cherished memories of my time with the Continental training gang and all the laughter we shared. Your heart you gave so easily will keep you with us until we see you again. Thank you for sharing yourself, your family, and most of all your heart.

Katie,
I am truly sorry for your loss and I want you to know that you are in our prayers. Your mother was a wonderful lady with a great smile and she was always a pleasure to talk to and spend time with. Tracy and I join you in celebrating her life and all of her accomplishments, and to let you know that she will be missed. I have great confidence that she has taken her place in God's kingdom and that her spirit will be with us all forever. May she rest in peace!
Love,
Larry, Tracy & family

Love of life, fierce pride, strong belief, unwavering loyalty and a sparkling sense of humor . . . that was my friend, my mentor, my sister. I miss your mom more than I can say. The memories and love I hold overflow in my heart. From the moment we met - we were soul mates sharing all our happiest times and supporting each other through the difficult times. Each birthday, in her big sister sort of way, she would remind me that she was 10 years older than me and I would respond . . . "and you always will be!" My "forever friend". I love you - Aunt Colleen

Deb was such a neat lady. No matter who you were, she made you feel as if you were someone special. Always smiling, always accepting, always Deb.
I can only wonder if the little bird flying outside the window of the church during the ceremony was a symbol of her sweet spirit. Rest in peace.

Deb's heart and warm caring spirit filled every encounter. She gave the gift of laughter and light to me and others. I am grateful to have known her and worked with her at Senn-Delaney. My deepest sympathies to her family.

To Deb's Family, My prayers are going out to your family in this painful time. Deb will never be forgotten!!! She had an impact on everyone she came in contact with and may her memory live on forever.

I am so blessed to have known Deb and all of her children. She was often my "mother-figure" when I could not make it to my own family. She always welcomed me into her home and heart. I respected her for her loyalty as a mother and friend. I admired her humor and candor. I will miss knowing I have a friend in Houston.
Josh and Amanda, Katie and Jennie, My heart goes out to all of you and the entire family. I can't tell you how much I loved your Mom.
Regards,
lisa D'Angelo

Whenever I think of Deb, a huge grin comes on my face. We had so much fun working together; she could always be counted on to have a story to tell. She would often call late at night and we would talk about anything and everything. Jennie, Josh & Katie, you were the light that kept her going. She loved you each so much and always had something to share about what each of you were up to. I pray that God's love will help you through these coming days. Please know that your mom was loved and will be greatly missed

I worked with Deb at People Express. She always had a smile on her face. My prayers go out to all her family and friends.

Deb,
I will never forget flying a trip with you on PEOPLExpress in the pouring rain with no jetway to keep us warm and dry at the North Terminal in Newark, New Jersey. We had only the warmth of each other as we sat shivering on the forward jumpseat. That event forever changed my life. After all, you were a General Manager, a Corporate leader, showing me how it was done! Your love for life, friends and family will be your legacy.

You always loved a great get-together with family and friends, both planned and unplanned. This time, let me have the party and a margarita in your honor.

Until we meet again in heaven,

All my love,
Annette

My thoughts and Prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. I worked with Debbie in training at People Express and will always remember her with a beautiful smile and warm heart. May our Lord give you strength and keep Debbie warm in his arms.

Deb was the dearest of friends and will be greatly missed. I met Deb in 1987 when she hired me. The world is truly a better place because of the lives she touched. She has helped so many. We had a lot of fun together in and out of the office. She was a very generous and careing person. Now she is in the arms of her heavenly Father and I am sure the angels in heaven are rejoicing. We are truely blessed to have had Deb in our lives.

To Jenny, Josh and Katie, Your Mom was a warm, loving friend to all who knew her. We felt blessed to have had her in our lives during our People Express days. We shared many laughs and adventures! The world is a little dimmer without her light in it. We will miss her effervecent spirit. Fred and Stephanie Wilcoxson

Deb
Your friendship made my life a better place. Now you can truely reach out and touch the face of God. I will surely miss you.

To Deb's Family - I smile when I think of her and know that her name 'Fortune' was meant for those of us who knew her for 'fortunate' we were indeed.

I laughed with her and enjoyed her spirit and her very intense sense of integrity but the thing I remember most is all of the stories of you - her family. She loved you all so much and always, always, always spoke of you and what each of you was doing. I feel like I know each of you through those stories.

My thoughts are with you all and may you be at peace.

Katie,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We will always remember those early softball years. The long weekends, late nights and great laughs. Your Mom was a special lady who touched so many lives. You and your family will forever be her greatest joys! God Bless you all!
Love,
The Enocksen's

To the family:

Your mom was a breathe of fresh air to all that knew her. We worked together at People Express. She was such an important part of the team and a great friend.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Deb, I have often thought about the way you treated me when we met while I was a newbie at Senn Delaney. I really valued your openness, sense of fun, the sparkle in your eye and the way you helped me see beyond the surface and my own negative thought about stuff. I know you saw what we were engaged in as sacred work that gives something back and can also be so healthy and fun. I have missed you, and now I will miss you more. God bless you and your family.

I join you in grieving the loss of Deb, but at the same time, rejoice in the life she lived...one of deep faith through which she touched the lives of many, including mine. I remember so well Deb's caring spirit, her joi de vivre, her sense of humor and playfulness. Thanks Deb...I am eternally grateful to have known you, and I know you are indeed with the angels. To you, her family, may God give you strength and His peace that passes all understanding.

My teammate, my friend...You taught me so much... What a spirit!! An inspiration to me.. I'm so lucky to have known you.. Rest in peace.

Deb's special light, her love and her joy, will be missed by so many. She was an inspiration--Deb's priorities were always in the right place. Her faith was always her beacon and her passionate love and dedication for her children were at the top of her list. Deb always believed that her greatest mission in life was to be the best mother possible and so she has left behind an incredible legacy in each of her children. Deb was also committed to making a difference in the world through her volunteer work and with her clients, putting her heart and soul into every effort to make their organizations a better place. My memories of Deb are filled with laughter, wisdom and prayer. She has undoubtedly graced the heavens with her spirit, and will remain always in our hearts. Katie, Jennie, Josh, and family--you were your mother's greatest joy--may you always be strengthened by her love. God bless you!

Deb-
Your love for your family reached much farther than those great hugs; and they were great. I'll never forget you racing to Savannah when Christopher was born; by plane and car just to be a part of the special moment. You were there for our wedding and I'll always remember your kindness.
Plus, as an Ohio State Alum, I believe there's a special place in heaven for Buckeyes!

To Deb's family -
I remember Deb's smile and concern for all she met - She was a champion for others and lucky for me, I was one of the many beneficiaries of her love.
May you walk with the same love forever in your lives.

To all of Deb's family you have our deepest compassion for the loss of such a special person in your life. She represented the best in who we might all strive to be. Deb has been a special friend for many years. I remember when we first met about working for Transco and her energy and enthusiasm were boundless - she then came to Senn-Delaney and exhibited the same characteristics - she cared deeply about the people she touched. Deb's passing is a loss for all of us who knew her as well as a significant loss for humanity. She will be remembered in the best of ways and as someone who made a difference in the lives of others. We offer all of her family particularly Jennie, Josh and Katie and the wonderful grandchildren any support we can be. Love, Nick and Laura Neuhausel

I first met Deb when she was my 747 Instructor at People Express. She was pregnant with Katie at the time, and my previous job had been performing ultrasounds at Riverside Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. She was so excited, and brought her ultrasounds to class the next day and I pointed out all of the important anatomy on her pictures. That was the start of a very special friendship with a truly great lady. I last spoke with her in August of this year, and she still had the same enthusiasm and energy that I saw in her the very first time we met. That will be her legacy, and it will live on in the others that she inspired and touched throughout the years.

May our Lord be with your Spirit, Debbie. And thank you for all the wonderful memories you gave to us over all of these years. You will be in our minds and hearts forever. We miss and love you.

Deb was my first boss, a great friend and a wonderful mentor. My thoughts are with her family. Katie, I still have so much fun thinking of you and I ice skating when you were 3. Your mother loved you so much.
Michelle

Whenever I was around Deb, I felt her warmth, her sincere caring and her ability to focus 'just on me' in that moment. She was that way with everyone. She had a great sense of humor and a strong sense of doing what was right. Deb shared often with me her deep love of Christ and of her family. Those were clearly her two greatest loves and drivers in this life. I will miss her and extend my condolences to her family and loved ones.

Deb always spoke so proudly of her kids -- and loved them more than words could say. She had such a caring way about her and a wonderful fun spirit. I am sure the angels will enjoy her and am thankful that the Lord provided me the opportunity to have her cross my path and touch me the way she did.
God bless you all in your time of sorrow and may the love of the Lord guide you during this time. I hope too that you find peace in knowing that while your mother lived with us in this world, she made a tremendous contribution to everyone she touched.

Deb's beautiful smile and warm, caring heart touched many souls. I am grateful that she touched mine. We will remember her always.

To Deb's Family,

I received a recent email from Deb telling me she was "back" so this is particularly sad for me. She was a very special lady and a close friend for many years. Deb brought a sense of warmth and kindness to all of her relationships always mixed with a sense of playfulness and a little "sass". We had some great times together and I will miss her.

Katie-I am so sorry for your loss of your mother. Your parents were always such wonderful people to be around. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

A true friend and a great lady. I always knew where I stood with Deb--- We all admired her courage, her honesty, and her friendship. God Bless
Ernie Webb

Katie and Family, Deb was such a wonderful friend. I will miss her. She always put herself second and everyone else first. God has a new guardian angel. Andy

Deb loved to share stories....she could tell a tale about the kids, about flying or about sports and it would only be moments before I was laughing. Deb...thanks for sharing the stories and laughs.

I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to know Deb as a friend. She was a very special lady who made a difference to many. You did not have to spend much time with Deb to know how much she loved her family. May you all be blessed and comforted by the knowledge that she is in heavenly peace.

I met Deb through her work with Senn-Delaney, and as soon as I met her, I knew she was a friend. I survived some troubled times in my career only through her coaching and friendship.

She will be missed.

I can't remember the date I first met Deb, but I will never forget the event! At the urging of a friend I sat in an office in Houston ready to interview a person described to me as "love and energy in high gear". When Deb Fortune entered the room her enthusiasm and excitement washed over me like a warm and loving tidal wave. And she laughed and cried when I offered her a job on the spot. Over the several years that we worked together I laughed harder and enjoyed work more than with any other consultant. Deb - your energy and conviction to do the right thing will be missed and I will always remember the fun we had and the people we touched along the way. My sincere condolences to all Deb's family in this time of loss. Remember the good times, it's what Deb Fortune was all about.

My deepest sympathy to all of you in your loss. Deb was a wonderful, strong woman who loved and believed in all of you so very much.

She was a wonderful friend to me and a mentor. She had such a tremendous influence on my life and was such an inspiration to me, professionally and personally. I know our paths crossed for a reason because she touched my heart and has left her fingerprint on my soul.

God Bless you, Deb...I will miss you very much.

I was a professional colleague of Deb's and will miss her greatly. She was a strong Christian and a class act. My condolences to her family and friends.

Debby's love affected us most directly through her passion for learning and teaching leadership in the service of all she knew.

Deb was a dear friend - an Angel, being there to help when I needed it most. I'll miss her smile, but will hold her giving, helping nature in my heart. I'm so thankful for having had her in my life.

Our deepest sympathy to your family in your time of loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marian Bindley