Debra Hablutzel

Debra Hablutzel, 70, passed away on January 18, 2026 in Celebration, Florida leaving behind a legacy of unwavering kindness and open doors. Born on August 1, 1955 at Selfridge Air Force Base in Mt. Clemens, Michigan. Prior to her retirement, she dedicated her life to the lives of special needs adults, making them feel welcome and seen at Helping Hand Rehabilitation Center in Countryside, IL.

Debra spent her life proving that family isn't just about blood-it's about who you choose to love. Known to almost everyone simply as "Mom", Debra had a rare gift for making people feel seen and welcomed. Whether you were a lifelong friend or a new acquaintance, she met you with open arms and a place at her table. Her heart was a sanctuary for anyone who needed support, a listener, or a maternal figure.

When she wasn't taking care of others, Debra found her greatest joys in the magic and beauty of the world. Her most joyous moments were going to the casino with her best friends, Chris Zagorski and Ralph Storino. Even though they may not have always won financially, they always won with the memories and inside jokes they created.

Debra's warmth, her inclusive spirit, and her unwavering generosity will be deeply missed by the countless "children" she claimed as her own over the decades. She had her own "Ohana", which means family and that nobody gets left behind or forgotten.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Joyce Veverka and sister Joan Wascher. She is survived by her sister Nancy Veverka, brother Jim Veverka, daughter Melissa Cartagena, son-in-law Francisco Cartagena, son David Hablutzel, daughter-in-law Erin Hablutzel, and their two children Cole Hablutzel and Jackson Hablutzel.

In lieu of a service, take a moment to remember her or make a donation to your local special needs organization, as it was close to her heart.