Debbie J. Emery

Debbie J. Emery, age 64, of Forest Lake, Minnesota, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Debbie was born on April 28, 1961, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the daughter of Lee and Elaine (Custer) Stewart. She grew up in Cottage Grove and attended Park Senior High School, where she began forming the lifelong friendships and deep sense of community that defined her life. In the mid-1980s, Debbie moved to Forest Lake, where she raised her family and created a home filled with love, laughter, and warmth. A caregiver at heart, Debbie’s compassion knew no bounds. She welcomed everyone with open arms—family, friends, and anyone in need of a place to belong. Her home was rarely quiet or empty, always full of people who felt safe, seen, and loved. Many found not just friendship under her roof, but family. She never let anyone go hungry, without clean clothes, or without a warm place to rest. Debbie opened her heart and home to those who had nowhere else to turn, especially children and families who had been cast aside or forgotten. To so many, she was more than a friend—she was a second mother, a safe haven, and a steady hand in a storm. Debbie’s generosity was matched only by her strength. She would give you the shirt off her back if it meant helping someone in need—but she also believed in mutual respect, teaching those around her the value of kindness, honesty, and family. Her legacy of unconditional love and open-hearted giving will live on through all whose lives she touched. She is preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Robert; and siblings Bonnie, Susie, Ricky, Daryl, and Dicky. Debbie is survived by her loving children: Elaine Emery (Sam Rush), Bobbie Emery, Neena Williams Emery, Staten (Kimberly) Emery, April Emery (Austin Leiran), and Mykela Stewart (Seth Arnold); her cherished grandchildren: Angel, Tommy, Dallas, Ava, Bella, Aftynne, May, Ryder, August, and Waylen; siblings Robert L. Stewart (Mary Ann), Nancy Franks, Gary L. Stewart (Darla), Sharon Ellefson, Joy Jessen (Jim), Penny Shefland (Jim), Lee Stewart (Karla), Tammy (Al), and Allen (Chris); as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and countless friends who were family by choice. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025, at the Church of Saint Peter, 1250 South Shore Drive, Forest Lake, Minnesota. The family will greet friends one hour prior to Mass at the church. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Forest Lake. A luncheon will be held afterward at the American Legion Post 225, 355 West Broadway Avenue, Forest Lake. Debbie’s door was always open, and her heart even more so. Though she will be deeply missed, the warmth and love she gave so freely will continue to live on in all those she welcomed into her life.