Deborah J. (Burget) Gioe

Deborah J. Gioe, affectionately known as Debbie, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2024, at the age of 79. She was born on December 14, 1944, in Centerville, IN, to Urban Swager and Helen (Catt) Swager. She was preceded in death by her beloved brother, Joe; her parents, Urban and Helen; and her husband, Stephen Gioe, with whom she shared a beautiful marriage from 1967 until his passing in 2005.
 
Debbie is survived by her two loving daughters, Gina Esposito (Mike) and Mindy Garcia (Joe), and her five cherished grandchildren: Anna, Sophie, and Michael Esposito, and Christian and Gabe Garcia. She is also survived by her ex-husband, William Burget, who remained a part of her extended family.
 
A proud graduate of Centerville High School's class of 1962, Debbie went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University in 1966, where she cultivated her passion for learning and education. This passion led her to a fulfilling career as a high school business teacher, where she inspired and touched the lives of countless students. She retired from Hamilton Southeastern High School in 2005, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, kindness, and excellence in education.

She married the love of her life, Stephen Gioe, in 1967, and together they created a home filled with warmth, love, and unforgettable memories. Steve and Debbie were dedicated to showing their daughters a life of adventure. They took fun family vacations, including camping, boating, and snow skiing trips. Debbie was a lover of the sun and water, often finding joy and tranquility by the beach or on a boat.
  
Known for her generosity, Debbie opened her home and heart to friends and family alike. Cooking was one of her love languages. She delighted in feeding people and having her loved ones around her table. Debbie also had a great love for reading and could often be found with a book in hand. Above all, she adored spending time with her grandchildren, who brought immense joy and pride into her life.

Her deep faith in Jesus guided her throughout her life, and she participated in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) for many years. She firmly believed that people discover their true purpose and identity by knowing God through His Word. In honor of her memory and in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to BSF International, an organization that offers free, in-depth Bible studies for people of all ages around the world. Contributions can be made at [BSF International Support](https://www.bsfinternational.org/support/).
  
A celebration of Debbie’s life will be held on Saturday, June 15, at Flanner Buchanan - Oaklawn Memorial Gardens (Conner Suite), located at 9700 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46250. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with a funeral service immediately following at 1:00 PM. Entombment will take place at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens.