DEBRA DOWLING

1952 - 2015

Feb. 26, 1952 - Dec. 24, 2015 OKLAHOMA CITY Debra Ann Dowling, 63, of OKC, passed away peacefully at home Dec. 24, 2015. Debra was born Feb. 26, 1952, in Lawton, OK. She married her loving husband, Michael Dowling, on Jan. 20, 1969. After six years in Lawton, they moved to Moore, where they raised their children. She became a paramedic in 1980 and worked in the medical field until Jan. 2013. She loved children and was a foster parent through Catholic Charities. She sponsored foreign exchange students in the home and was so loved, they continued to return. Her home was always open to young people and those in need. The delight of her life were her granddaughters, Michaela and Jace "Helen" Orologio, who were her reason to fight cancer with all she had. She was preceded in death by her parents, M.T. & Louise McCracken; sister, Lynda McCracken, of Lawton; and beloved sister-in-law, Leslie Hanson, of Seattle. Survivors include husband, Michael Dowling; son, Sean Dowling; daughter, Dawn Stas; brother, Bill McCracken & wife Connie; brother, James McCracken; sister, Terry McCracken; nephew, Dustin McCracken; along with many dear friends. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 31 at St. James Catholic Church in OKC. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to American Cancer Society or Sister B.J.'s Pantry in OKC.