Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Debbie Allen Obituary
Debbie worked at the Dominick's store on 71st and Pulaski from high school until her illness. She started as a bagger and cashier and moved up to customer service. She even met her husband there. She was a loving wife of Jerry and mom of Danielle, Nicole and Samantha. Debbie was crazy about her girls, and she was a really great mom.
Debbie was immensely loved by her family and friends. She was so warm and friendly, and fun to be with. She really cared about people, and she was a joy to be with. She had a beautiful smile.
When Debbie was diagnosed with breast cancer, she remained optimistic, and fought very hard. She went through a lot: multiple rounds of chemo and radiation, and a mastectomy. She opted for reconstructive surgery using her own tissue; a really invasive surgery, but she was planning on being around for many years. She was very brave, and she did everything she could to stay here and raise her kids. When the cancer spread to her brain, there was a whole new battle, even harder this time. She worked so hard when she had complications from brain surgery. She spent weeks in the hospital, undergoing physical therapy. She learned how to walk again, to talk, to eat. It was rough but she really made progress. When the cancer returned the final time, it was sudden and devastating. We were lucky enough to have time in the hospital, to say goodbye. But we were not ready to let her go, and it still feels so unfair to have to live without her.
Our faith tells us she has gone ahead to prepare a place for us in Heaven. Can we blame God for wanting someone so special with Him? I know our Mom was waiting to greet her. And Dad... well, I think it truly broke his heart to lose Debbie, and he died a year later just a few days before the anniversary of her death.
Debbie's last words to us were "I love you." She said it over and over again. I think everyone in our family carries that love in our hearts. It is a gift, and a lesson. I believe we will be reunited one day, and until then we will keep Debbie alive in our memory. Memory eternal.
Born: Jul 10, 1961 in Illinois
Died: Apr 29, 2004 in Illinois
Obituary
Deborah A. Allen, nee Betsanes, age 42, beloved wife of Jerry; cherished mother of Danielle, Nicole and Samantha; fond daughter of George and the late Joan Betsanes; dear sister of Gregory (Lynn) Betsanes, Michael (Donna) Betsanes, Dennis Betsanes, Susanne (Nick) Lisowski and James Betsanes; aunt of many nieces and nephews; daughter-in-law of Betty and the late Jerry Allen. Funeral Monday 9 a.m. from Thompson & Kuenster Funeral Home, 5570 W. 95th, Oak Lawn, to SS. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 11025 S. Roberts Road, Palos Park for service at 10 a.m. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Visitation Sunday 3 to 8 p.m. 708-425-0500.
Interment: Holy Sepulchre CemeteryLot 24 Block 15 Section 21 Grave 11
5 Entries
Sue Lisowski
October 8, 2011
Growing Up Years- a couple memories from Susie
Since Debbie was 7 years older than me, I have no memories of her as a young girl. I hope my brothers will fill in some of those gaps. There are some cute pictures of her and her twins dressed in matching outfits... I wonder if some of those were saved for Jimmy and me. We are only 13 months apart and we were often dressed alike also when we were little.
I do know that having twins was a surprise to my parents... they did not have the ultrasound technology they have today! And my mom already had two little boys; Greg and Mike... so I am sure those early years were a challenge. But of course Debbie and Denny were cute and fun twins, and with a big family I am sure Mom had some help. Our Greek grandparents, Yiayia and Papou, lived just a few doors down, along with Aunt Grace, their mentally disabled daughter. With our huge extended family, I am sure the house was frequently visited by aunts, uncles and cousins. I know my parents were proud of their six kids and loved the large extended family lifestyle. Some of the home movies from that time are hilarious: cousins everywhere, seemingly running wild!
With the age difference, my memories really start when she was an adolescent. Debbie always had lots of friends. She and Dennis seemed to rarely be around; they were just always with their friends, it seemed to me. Sometimes friends came and hung out in our basement. I remember my little brother Jimmy and I sitting on the stairs, peeking at them and just being pesky younger siblings.
I remember a time when my sister and their friends would practice dancing to "The Loco-Motion." Another memory song is Boston's "More than a Feeling." It reminds me of summer days when Debbie would decide to take Jimmy and me somewhere; like the beach [aka 'the Dunes'] or a water slide. It was just a slide back then, too... not the aquatic roller coasters of today's water park. She took us to Great America once too. That was my first roller coaster ride. I remember being scared to death on the Whizzer-- not much of a coaster but I held on to my sister for dear life. I felt very safe, because I knew she would never put me in danger.
Being the only 2 girls in our little Chicago bungalow house, we always shared a room. Right outside our window was the brick wall of the building next door. There was this white paint splotch on that wall that to me looked like a skull. Once during a bad thunderstorm, I was so scared the lightning would come in through the window and strike me. I told this to Debbie who was trying to sleep in her bed, and she assured me that the lightning would hit her since her bed was closer to the window. I felt much better after that, in my childish selfishness not really concerned about her being hit!
I always idolized Debbie. She was pretty, with her dark glossy hair, big brown eyes with long eyelashes, and a thousand-watt smile. She had braces at some point. I remember her cutting corn off the cob so she could eat it. She had a bubbly, happy personality. She liked to go out and do stuff; she was never a couch potato type. Sometimes when she drove, she would cross her arms and grab the wheel, like instead of her left hand on 10 and the right hand on 2, the opposite hands where at those positions. It was just a little something she did sometimes.
We never shared clothes, because of the age difference and also that she had a petite build and I was built like a linebacker. Debbie rocked the styles of the 70's and early 80's. She looked cute in overalls and the jeans of that era, which had a very high waist, the total opposite of today's low cut jeans, and I think they were more flattering back then too. Of course she had to wear the Dominick's smock to work. when she went to a function like a wedding, she always had a nice dress and shoes.
Another story: when she wanted her earls pierced as a teenager, my parents would not let her just go anywhere... my dad took her to the doctor to have it done right! Of course by the time my turn came, I was allowed to get it done at Claire's in the mall.
I remember when Debbie was in adolescence, she went through that clumsy stage; you know, when you drop things a lot? Apparently she broke several dishes, to the point that whenever we heard a crashing sound of something dropped in the house, the running joke was for my parents to yell "Debbie!".
Sue Lisowski
October 8, 2011
I miss Debbie every day. She was my only sister, my friend, my maid of honor and godmother of my first child. She was 7 years older than me, and I idolized her as a child. As a grown up, I try to emulate her. She was such a loving, forgiving person; and so fun to be with. She was a great mom and auntie, because she loved kids and was great with them. I learned so much about being a Mom from Debbie, and it breaks my heart that her girls could not have her for longer.The world is less bright without Debbie here. But I hope everyone will help remember Debbie here, by sharing your memories and photos.
Debbie's girls 2010 - (2010) - Nicole, Danielle and Samantha at Aunt Lois's birthday party in 2010. SO pretty!
October 8, 2011
Debbie and Dad - Debbie and Dad at a wedding.
October 8, 2011
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Deb & Den 1964 - (1964) - Deb & Den
March 16, 2012
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
Make a Donation
in Debbie Allen's name
People and places connected with Debbie
Recent Obituaries
How to support Debbie's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Debbie Allen's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored