Debra Mapes

I was shocked to hear about Deb's passing. I have fond memories of her coaching me in the summer tennis programs. Also it was so fun to watch her play tennis at Alma College. She was so inspiring and encouraging woman.

Terra Hutchinson El-Eraky

Hello, Greg and family,
I have very belatedly learned of Deb´s passing, having just read it in the Alma College Tartan magazine. I looked up to Deb as an outstanding athlete and inspiration in basketball and softball, both at Alma High and in the so-called "Can-Am" games with Ingersoll, Ontario in the 1960s. Our paths crossed frequently at Alma College as well, since we were both on staff. We shared many good conversations and laughs together. Please know how deeply I regret her loss and accept my sincere condolences. -Julie Wegner Arnold

CELEBRATION OF LIFE UPDATE:

There will be a Celebration of Life for Deb on Saturday August 9th, 2025 from noon to 4pm at the Alma College Opera House located at 107 E. Superior Street, Alma, MI 48801. Please join us as for food, drink and to share memories as we celebrate Deb

Really miss seeing Deb´s friendly face at the dog shows. Condolences to family and friends.

Deb was my tennis coach for four years at Alma! She made being part of the team fun and a big part of Alma memories. She will be missed.

Deb was a great coach and mentor. I learned the game of field hockey from her and played for 4 years on Alma College's team (my senior year was the last field hockey team for Alma). I think about her on occasion and have fond memories of her as a coach and friend. She was a true blessing in my life.

Love our talk on trip to Alaska.

Blessings Barbara Penn

Shock doesn't begin to express how I feel at this moment. Deb was the very first person I met and became friends with when I moved to Alma in 1965. She lived just around the corner from me. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Rest in peace Deb, you will not be forgotten.

I remember Deb very well. She was always happy and friendly ! She lived an extraordinary life. Proud to call her a classmate.

I was able to coach Deb while she was in High School through a community program. We became instant friends and she tried to teach me how to play tennis. I was able to reconnect with her a few years ago in Arizona. She was a great friend

We had the privilege of meeting Deb through our small group at church. Deb and my husband had a mutual aviation love, so many good aviation stories were shared. May she rest in peace.

So sorry for your loss,Deb was a unique woman.

What a remarkable woman. Life well lived.

Deb and I played basketball together at AHS the first year girls were allowed to play high school sports. It was her senior year, and I was a sophomore. Girls and women have come an extremely long way in sports, in no small part because of the contributions Deb and other trailblazers like her made. Rest in Power! Laurie C. Kuna, AHS Class of '74

Deb was an amazing trailblazer of a woman. She will be missed by many.

I was so sorry to hear of Deb´s passing. She truly was a leader of woman´s sports. I remember before we had girls sports she played on the guys tennis team. Sending heartfelt sympathies to the family . Sincerely Darcy Howe Hodges Class of 1973 AHS

I am so sorry to all feeling this loss.

Remember Deb, playing basketball and softball in high school. Great at what ever she did.

Kevin, Greg and families, I am so sorry to hear about Deb. I remember her the most from the old neighborhood when I lived on Hastings and you guys on Gratiot. May you find comfort in your memories

Deb will be remembered as a "game changer". It´s not enough to recognize her selfless work that changed athletics for women because she demonstrated that everyone wins when we all reach our full potential. RIP, Deb.