So so beautiful her smile and the glow in her eyes god bless you an your family you are at peace

Heaven gained a one of a kind angel Friday. I loved Debbie unconditionally for the past 19 years. Although she was not my blood she may as well have been. From the moment I first laid eyes on her when I picked her & my godson Nikos up from the airport in 2003 she instantly became a Lazaris. My mom, Vickie Lazaris, my dad, Frank Lazaris, and myself were blessed to have her & Nikos live with us for many years. Even when she moved back with her family a few times over the years she always came back to us and we always welcomed her back with open arms. Her and I had such a special bond and relationship that I will forever cherish. Even when I lived in Indiana she came to live close by. When I moved back to Michigan, she decided to move back to Michigan to be near us. Over the past 19 years Ive supported her in every way I could, I loved her, I never judged her, I always kept touch, no matter what was going on in her life I never let her forget how much I cared about her, how much I missed her and I never ever gave up on her. Being Nikos’ Nouna has been one of the greatest gifts in my life and since the day he was born until today I’ve taken that role very seriously. Being able to watch Debbie in action as a mom for so many years was incredible. The love & devotion she had for her son was so strong. He was her life. If it wasn’t for Debbie being such a dedicated and passionate mother, Nikos may not have turned into the truly amazing man he is today. What always impressed me about how Debbie raised Nikos as a child was the level of respect she instilled in him. From the time he was about 4 years old he always said, “Yes ma’am/sir, “No ma’am/sir” and ALWAYS did as he was told. I can’t even get my own daughter to do that (lol). My family and I were fortunate enough to have a hand in raising Nikos as well. I think one of the best thing we instilled in him was the importance of family values and unconditional love. If it wasn’t for the years Debbie spent with our family while Nikos was growing up, we would have missed out on the opportunity to have them live with us, seeing them everyday and being able to be there for the both of them like we were. My parents both loved Debbie just like if she were their own and Nikos as if he was their grandson. Nikos and my dad especially had a strong, unique, one of a kind love & bond with each other. Debbie even lived with my parents with her new husband and Nikos….that was just how my parents were. Their love for her was unconditional as well and it didn’t matter if she was with Jason or not, they loved her for her. Unfortunately my father passed away from cancer 1/31/20 & my mother also passed away from cancer 1/4/23. It comforts me to know that when Debbie stepped into heaven for the first time that both my parents were standing their, with their arms open, waiting to welcome her back home. I am so thankful that I was able to make a trip to FL last April with my daughter, Lilly, to visit my cousins Jason & Jessica, Nikos & of course Debbie. I’m so happy that she was able to meet Lilly and that she and I were able to spend precious time together before she passed. It was just like old times and as if no time had passed since we last saw each other. I’ll cherish those days for the rest of my life. After we returned home she kept in touch with me and told me how well she was doing. I expressed to her how incredibly proud I was of her, how much I believed in her and how much I loved her. We even talked about Lilly and I moving down there in the future and moving in together. I never in a million years thought that I’d get a phone call months later with the devastating news of her untimely passing.

She was so young, she had so much potential and a new lease on life! How could this happen? Memories of her from the day we met until now flashed before my eyes. It was incredibly difficult for Nikos losing my dad & my mom and now he’s lost his mother not even a month and a half after my mom -all 3 in 3 years! My heart is just shattered, especially for Nikos. 3 out of the 5 people that raised him are gone so young in his life. It’s not fair, it doesn’t make sense and it’s cruel for such amazing people to be stolen from us like this so close together. Debbie will forever live on in our hearts. The world is such a dark place without her. She was such a beautiful, special, kind soul who deserved so much better in life. She will be forever missed and surely never forgotten. She made a huge impact on my life and the lives of anyone who crossed her path. Rest in peace Deb. Until we meet again my sweet angel.

It has been a long time since our paths have crossed, you were always a special part of my life and the life of others I love. No words can ever describe the pain my heart feels. I am deeply saddened by your exit from this earth and more so the pain and anguish you absorbed in your life. I take some solace knowing your struggle is over, and I’m sure Mike is up there with you showing you the ropes. To all of those closest to you, I know their hearts are filled with pain and sorrow, I only wish I could offer comfort. We all come into this world knowing we will exit one day, but it doesn’t help when we lose someone so dear to us. We will all meet up one day in a more kind and simpler place. I know your eternity will bring you the love and happiness you deserve.

I’m missing Debbie along with you. Wishing her family strength and peace during this difficult time.

Debbie was one of my dearest best friends I met. My last memory with her I’ll cherish for a lifetime and that was spending the day at Busch Gardens with her and making her ride the roller coaster iron gwazi in the back row. We both were terrified and had so much fun! She will be missed and forever loved. May she rest in peace.