Deborah Jean "Debbie" DuCharme

1953 - 2025

Deborah 'Debbie' Jean DuCharme
It is with profound sadness and deep love that we announce the passing of Deborah "Debbie" Ducharme, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, and cherished friend. She passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her loved ones, after a courageous battle with cancer on May 19th, 2025, at 71 years old.
Debbie was born on December 30th, 1953 in Kankakee, Illinois, the beloved daughter of Clarence and Francis Ravens. Debbie is survived by her loving husband, Larry; daughters Natasha Hawkins (David) and Dawn Coronado; son, Che'; grandchildren, Brittani, Hayli, Zachary, Ashlyn, Jacob, Jacey, Jayden, and Che; great-grandchildren, Kinsley and Jacob; sisters, Judy Holdman and Barbara Corsaro of Kankakee; brothers, John of Custer Park, Richard and Ronald of Kankakee; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Debbie's parents; and brothers Robert, James and Joseph, are deceased.
Debbie attended Bishop McNamara High School, and graduated from Herscher High School. Her Catholic faith was a guiding force throughout her life, shaping her values and actions. Debbie worked in both the restaurant and grocery businesses. She also managed her own cleaning company, and had a career as an optician for 20 years before retiring at 62. Debbie shared her life in Southern California with her loving husband of 52 years, Larry, her partner and best friend. They shared many joys together, including hiking and exploring the deserts, national forests, and Mexico and driving along the Pacific Coast Highway. They enjoyed fishing, rafting, biking and long walks along the beach, which became treasured times of connection, reflection and peace.
Debbie was an avid television viewer, and some of her favorite programs were "The Walking Dead" and "Outlander." She also enjoyed movies from "The Godfather" to "She's Having a Baby." Debbie loved trips to Las Vegas, taking in the sites of the strip, the shows, and playing her favorite games of video poker and roulette. She also enjoyed going to her local Indian casinos. Debbie was proud of her ceremonial knife collection, which was a little-known hobby of hers.
She was a proud mother to her children, offering steady support guidance and unconditional love throughout their lives. Baseball held a special place in their shared Journey; not only did they enjoy attending Padre games together as a family, but Debbie also found great joy in watching and supporting her children as they played baseball and softball.
One role she treasured most was that of grandma. Her heart expanded to her grandchildren, and she cherished every moment, attending their sporting events and dance recitals, taking them on trips to the San Diego Zoo, Seaworld, and Lindo Lake Park, and simply watching them grow. She was blessed to experience the arrival of her two precious great-grandchildren shortly before she passed. Her love for her family was boundless.
Debbie found happiness in the everyday moments of family life. She was known for her warm and welcoming kitchen, where the smell of her famous chicken enchiladas singled not just dinner, but comfort and love. She ensured you never left the table hungry. Above all, Debbie's life was a testament to kindness selflessness and the enduring power of love.
So, while our hearts are heavy with her loss, we are forever grateful for the time we had and the memories she leaves behind. She was deeply loved, and will forever be remembered. A celebration of Debbie's life took place on Sunday, June 8th at Mission Beach, California.