Debra Kay McElhoe

Debra Kay McElhoe, age 70, of Fort Mill, SC, passed away comfortably in her home on March 20th, 2025. Born in Lafayette, IN, she was the daughter of the late Robert Crowe and Dolores Hicks Crowe. Debbie was married to her high school sweetheart, Dennis, for nearly 49 years. Together they enjoyed traveling, attending the Indy 500, camping in the mountains, fishing, Friday night movies, and beating others at Euchre. She was a wonderful mother of four who always provided for her family and instilled many traditions - especially during Christmas and July 4th. She never missed their athletic events or performances and was always there to give advice or help. Debbie was blessed with 10 grandchildren, whom she loved dearly and always lit up when they were around. She never said no to babysitting - that was her favorite! The grandkids enjoyed her silly songs, baking with her, snuggles, and playing fun games such as "Grandma's Magic Finger", Scrabble, and "Simon Says". The bond between Debbie and her four siblings was legendary and built on strong family values. They had loads of fun together throughout the years, especially on fishing trips to Wisconsin. As the oldest sibling and a true leader, she earned the nickname "Queen". Debbie always loved a good story to make her laugh and cherished weekly Saturday game nights at the Crowe's Nest with her family and friends. She loved speaking with her siblings, cousins and other relatives on the phone, often asking, "any news, today?". A graduate of Saint Elizabeth School of Nursing and Indiana Wesleyan University, Debbie worked as a devoted Registered Nurse at Saint Elizabeth Hospital in Lafayette, IN for 35 years. During her career, she worked as a department head and a recruiter in nursing service and administration. Led by her faith, Debbie was a member of Saint Philip Neri Catholic Church and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians. Surviving are her husband, Dennis L. McElhoe; her children, Kelly Lucarelli (Matthew), Brian McElhoe (Janell), Colleen Pierce (Connell), and Rebecca Robiños (Gerry); siblings, Cathy Crowe Blickenstaff, Karen Crowe Mahoney, Robert A. Crowe (Kelly), and John C. Crowe (Jenny); and 10 grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Foundation for Fighting Blindness or to unbound.org. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Debra, please visit our floral store.