Deborah "Debbie" Brass

BRASS Deborah "Debbie" Brass, 56, of Toledo, Ohio, entered into eternal rest on April 30, 2006, surrounded by her family, following her courageous struggle with cancer. She was born January 3, 1950, to her cherished parents, Dominic and Dolores James, in Youngstown, Ohio. On August, 22, 1970, she married her first and only love, Alan W. Brass, and they shared 35 years of marriage, and a life of love and service to others. Together they raised their two sons, Mark and Glen, and enjoyed the rich blessings of family life. Debbie's greatest passion was to be a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and, most recently, grandmother; and her favorite times were those spent with her entire family. Always putting her family first, Debbie deferred completing her higher education until her husband completed his graduate degree, and then went on to earn her degree one year later, Magna Cum Laude. She was extremely proud of all she accomplished, but maintained her first role was that of ensuring a warm and loving home. Her husband's career as an Executive in Healthcare led them to numerous cities throughout the U.S. and in each town, from Columbus, to Ann Arbor to St. Louis, Debbie became deeply involved and could always be depended on to help with any cause. When the couple moved to the area in 1998, Debbie enthusiastically adopted Toledo as her home, and quickly became involved in the community, as well as every event or organization that Alan gave of his time and attention. A lifelong Christian, Debbie was a member of Saint Michael's in the Hills Episcopal Church. Her gifts of time and talent were also given to many organizations. Her enthusiasm for living was evident in all things; from her avid love of Ohio State Football, or enjoyable rounds of golf with her closest friends, to special gatherings that brought together the people whom she loved the most. She is survived by her devoted husband, Alan; their two sons, Mark and Glen (Carrie), both of Toledo; her precious granddaughter, Hailey; parents, Dominic and Dolores James; sister, Diana Jordan; in-laws, William and Julia Brass; and sisters-in-law, Cindy (Ed) Mulgrew; Gwen (Don) Riehl and Kimberly Cerimele (Andy Mihalic). A Memorial Service will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 4, at Saint Michael's in the Hills Episcopal Church, 4718 Brittany Road, Toledo, Ohio 43615. A Memorial Service is being planned at a later date, in Youngstown, Ohio at St. John's Episcopal Church. Funeral arrangements are being handled by WALKER FUNERAL HOME, 5155 W. Sylvania, Ave., Toledo, Ohio 419-841-2422. In lieu of flowers, and recognizing Debbie's deep commitment to children, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to: The Debbie Brass Cancer Fund at Toledo Children's Hospital, 2142 North Cove Blvd., Toledo, OH 43606. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.