Deborah Fernsler

Deborah B. Fernsler, 52, of Lower Heidelberg Township, passed away on Monday, August 12, 2013 in Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia.

She was the wife of Anton D. Fernsler. They were married on June 26, 1993 and celebrated twenty years of marriage.

Born in Angleton, Texas, she was the daughter of James T. and Dolores M. "Lola" (Gutierrez) Troutman, of Lower Heidelberg Twp.; and the late Sidney A. Brader.

Debbie was a 1979 graduate of Hamburg Area High School. She received an Associates Degree from Harcum Junior College, and also received a Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree in education from Kutztown University.

Debbie was an active field hockey player during her high school and college years. She was the head coach for the Hamburg Area High School junior varsity field hockey team and the assistant coach for the varsity field hockey team, with her mother as head coach. Debbie was an avid snowskiier. She enjoyed the beach and was a lover of nature.

For twenty years, Debbie was a special education teacher at Whitfield Ele-mentary School in the Wilson School District.

Debbie was a passionate and dedicated teacher of children with special needs. She tirelessly gave of her time, talent and treasure to the many groups of children whose lives will remain forever blessed to have been touched by hers.

While never seeking recognition nor credit for herself, Debbie devoted 28 years of her life as a devoted professional whose advocacy for children with special needs was surpassed only by her conviction that these children be treated with the dignity and respect which they so richly deserve.

Debbie's career began as a teacher for the Berks County Intermediate Unit as a special needs teacher at the Hamburg Center, in Hamburg. Debbie's sensitivity to the needs of others and her spiritual belief in the goodness of others will remain a lasting legacy to her family and friends, whose love she cherished.

In addition to her husband and parents, Debbie is survived by one son, Austin V. Fernsler, and one daughter, Azure S. Fernsler, both at home. She is also survived by her sister, Cheryl (Brader) Delgrosso of Bethlehem, and the Reyes, Fernsler, Hyneman, Gutierrez, and Burk families.

A memorial service will be held next Sunday, August 25, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. from Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., 223 Peach Street, Leesport. A visitation with the family will begin prior to the service at 12:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Wells Fargo, c/o The Fernsler Children, 2585 State Hill Road, Wyomissing, PA 19610. For online condolences, please visit www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com.

The family would like to extend a special thank-you to Dr. Alweis and staff for their active part in Debbie's care.