DEBORAH D. MAYER

1956 - 2017

1956 - 2017 On March 19, 2017, Deborah D. Mayer departed this life in the presence of her loving husband and her two devoted daughters. Debbie was born the youngest of four children, in Kansas City, Kansas, on July 20, 1956, to Frank and Clydean (Duncan) Tomasevic. She graduated from Wyandotte High School in 1974. Debbie attained a BS in Biology/Education from Emporia State University and an MS in Education from the University of Kansas. She was a dedicated teacher and mentor to her students for 34 years in the Shawnee Mission School District. Her last 25 years of teaching was at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School. She taught Biology, Earth Science and a course she created, World Futuristics. Debbie sponsored numerous clubs at the high school, and coached the Robotics Club. Debbie loved to teach inspired students; even if the learning seemed impossible. She would surpass their expectations by motivating the students to succeed. Debbie retired from teaching in December 2012. Debbie loved caring for animals; especially cats. And was known to always have numerous wild bird feeders around her home. Debbie's life was shortened from the effects of a stroke she suffered in January 2013. It robbed her ability to move or to speak. She did her rehabilitation at TIRR Memorial Hermann in Houston, TX. She fought a difficult battle to regain a semblance of her former existence. Regardless of the slow progress, she never lost her will to fully recover. She was preceded in death by her mother, Clydean Tomasevic; father, Frank Tomasevic; brothers, Michael Tomasevic and Pat Tomasevic; and sister, Kathleen Hamby. Debbie is survived by her husband of 38 years, David; two daughters, Lindsay Clark and husband Josh of Ft. Worth, TX; and Susan Mayer of Kansas City, KS; four grandchildren, Jace, Declan, Lily and Sonne; nieces and nephews; and her loving and supportive extended family. Visitation begins at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 23, at Porter Funeral Home, 8535 Monrovia St., Lenexa, KS, followed by a celebration of Debbie's life at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Memorial Hermann Foundation, 929 Gessner, Suite 2650, Houston, TX 77024 or go to memorialhermann.org to support TIRR Memorial Hermann Rehabilitation & Research Programs. Condolences may be left at: www.porterfuneralhome.com Arr.: Porter Funeral Home & Crematory, 8535 Monrovia St., Lenexa, KS (913) 438-6444. Porter Funeral Homes and Crematory