Debra Ann Driver

Debra Ann Driver possessed a heart as kind and caring as that of Jesus, she embodied patience and compassion in every facet of her life. On the evening of Tuesday, August 15, 2023, surrounded by family and friends, a saint marched into her heavenly home after struggling with an unknown disease.

Debra was born in St. Paul, Minnesota and was raised in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. Her affinity for learning led her to graduate with honors from White Bear High School in 1974. Her early years abounded in adventures with family and friends in the great outdoors, where she fostered her love of horses. She found her lifelong partner in Lee Driver, they married and together they nurtured their joined families for an incredible 46 years of marriage. Throughout her journey, Debra dedicated nearly four decades to the workers compensation industry, cultivating not only a successful career but also enduring friendships with her colleagues.

Debra wholeheartedly dedicated herself and her hard work ethic to 25 plus years of ministering to children at North Lakes Christian Church, leaving an indelible mark on their lives. Seven years ago, alongside her friend Melissa Jaques, she initiated the "Baskets of Love" food bank ministry at North Lakes Christian Church, a venture that would later become the focus and passion of her life. This beautiful endeavor continues to flourish, providing food to countless families in need.

Debra's love language was giving, an art she mastered. Whether a small gift, a sweet treat, or a heartfelt card, she ensured those in her life felt loved. Her humility, compassion, patience, integrity, and empathy defined her strong character, and left a legacy of kindness.  May the ripples of her kindness resonate in our own lives, inspiring us to emulate her example.

As she embarks on her new journey, she joins her parents, Myron and Florence (Belland) Myers, her sister Barbara Peterson, her nephew Al Jaques, her niece Melissa Peterson and her beloved dog Kodiak in eternal rest.

Left to cherish her memory are her beloved husband, Lee; her children, Ben (Kelsey) Driver, Amanda (Jesse) Gondek, and Sherri Torres; her grandchildren, Elizabeth Watson, Olivia Torres, Nicholas Torres, Loralei Schwarzrock, Liberty Schwarzrock, Jasper Gondek, and Flynn Gondek; as well as her great-grandchildren, Faith Moore, Devin Rodriguez, and Leo Rodriguez. Debra's legacy is further carried on by her siblings, Don Myers and Norma (Paul) Freppert, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.

We invite you to join us in honoring Debra's memory at a memorial service, to be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at the Mattson Funeral Home, located at 343 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake. Prior to the service, The family will greet friends from 1:00 p.m., until the time of service at the funeral home. In tribute to Debra's lifelong commitment to North Lakes Christian Church's Baskets of Love food shelf, the family kindly encourages guests to bring a non-perishable food item or make a monetary donation to Baskets of Love in her name.