We created a GatheringUs memorial to celebrate the life of Deborah Ann Brink. She was an incredible mother, mentor and friend. Collecting your stories and memories here will offer us great comfort. Please share as many as you can! As we plan a later celebration, we will post invites. Remember to RSVP to help... see moreWe created a GatheringUs memorial to celebrate the life of Deborah Ann Brink. She was an incredible mother, mentor and friend. Collecting your stories and memories here will offer us great comfort. Please share as many as you can! As we plan a later celebration, we will post invites. Remember to RSVP to help us plan. Thank you for contributing to this lasting memorial.
OBITUARY
My mom, Debbie, always put others before herself. No matter what. It didn't matter what was going on in her own life, if you needed her, she was there for you. She would go out of her way to try and make life better for those around her. She was the ultimate Den Mother to my friends in high school. She told me that she believed everyone deserved to be able to have a safe harbor and true family (and family was more than just blood), and... see moreMy mom, Debbie, always put others before herself. No matter what. It didn't matter what was going on in her own life, if you needed her, she was there for you. She would go out of her way to try and make life better for those around her. She was the ultimate Den Mother to my friends in high school. She told me that she believed everyone deserved to be able to have a safe harbor and true family (and family was more than just blood), and that she hoped she would always be able to provide that for those in need.
My deepest sympathies to both Debbie's family at home as well as her Eaton family.
I've had the pleasure of being one of Debbie's customers for decades. I can only imagine how much more difficult it must be having worked along side her everyday as I... moreMy deepest sympathies to both Debbie's family at home as well as her Eaton family.
I've had the pleasure of being one of Debbie's customers for decades. I can only imagine how much more difficult it must be having worked along side her everyday as I know first hand the impact she had on people that only ever had the opportunity to speak with her over the phone.
As to her family, I hope the legacy of Debbie's enthusiasm for life and her obvious love and pride in her family helps ease the burden of loss.
Finding my Aunt was a gift from God. I was adopted as a baby and always wanted to find my Bio Mother.....I found her name to late, she had already passed. I found my Aunt Debbie though and she welcomed me with an open heart and open arms. She shared... moreFinding my Aunt was a gift from God. I was adopted as a baby and always wanted to find my Bio Mother.....I found her name to late, she had already passed. I found my Aunt Debbie though and she welcomed me with an open heart and open arms. She shared everything about my mom with me and gave me endless family history. She allowed me to be a part of the family. She is amazing in everything she does and she loved unconditionally. The most important thing to her....her family! My regret is not seeing, calling or being in touch more. She will forever be in my heart. I love you. less
Amanda Bray
We were so happy when you found us. I know my Aunt wished she could have found you long ago, and Mom always thought of you as another one of her kids.
I am at a loss for words as of yet, I am heartbroken and cannot imagine life ahead without Debbie in it. I have worked along side her for 26 years, so more than half my life...that is just crazy to think about. I remember when I first started and she... moreI am at a loss for words as of yet, I am heartbroken and cannot imagine life ahead without Debbie in it. I have worked along side her for 26 years, so more than half my life...that is just crazy to think about. I remember when I first started and she taught me the ropes all those years...decades, ago. She as been there when 2/3 of my children came to this world and they both loved her as well. She attended my wedding to my husband of almost 25 years now. She has been at or at least involved in every aspect of my life for decades now. She had become my surrogate mother when mine passed (well, probably before that as well) she was my best friend, the one I reach out to when I really needed someone.
Amanda and Lila were the light of her life and she was so very proud of them both. Although I know she would have done anything to extend the journey, to continue to walk along side them, she will always be with them and all of us in our hearts. less
Amanda Bray
We love you so much. Thank you so much for sharing. Mom was so happy when you came back, she always counted you as one of her closest and dearest friends.
I worked with Debbie for the last 7 years. I was Debbie's Manager, but it was I who learned so much! In Eaton Corp. Debbie was considered a subject matter expert when it came cylinders and cylinder components.
Everyone I talked with, colleagues,... moreI worked with Debbie for the last 7 years. I was Debbie's Manager, but it was I who learned so much! In Eaton Corp. Debbie was considered a subject matter expert when it came cylinders and cylinder components.
Everyone I talked with, colleagues, customers, people that crossed lines of communication with Debbie loved her and always commented on how helpful and friendly she was!
Debbie and I talked a lot about life and what was really important. I know from those conversations she adored Amanda and Lila! This past December I became a grandpa for the first time, and most all our recent conversations I had with Debbie was around what it means/feels to be a grandparent and the joy grandchildren bring to your heart!
I will sorely miss my regular conversations with Debbie, but will always remember her compassion for others, her whimsical comments about life, work, and being a parent/grandparent! May God Bless and RIP in peace my friend! less
Amanda BrayThank you Greg. She was so excited to share the hours of grandparent-hood with you. She certainly did love her customers too... they are a big reason why she didn't retire many years ago. She loved so many of her customers and co- workers... she couldn't... moreThank you Greg. She was so excited to share the hours of grandparent-hood with you. She certainly did love her customers too... they are a big reason why she didn't retire many years ago. She loved so many of her customers and co- workers... she couldn't imagine leaving them yet.
Since, I'm a cousin, I saw your mom and you, on and off, during my life. I do remember running into you both, while camping, at Natural Bridge. But my most fond memory, of her, and you... was being over at Grandma Clemans' when you were born, and your... moreSince, I'm a cousin, I saw your mom and you, on and off, during my life. I do remember running into you both, while camping, at Natural Bridge. But my most fond memory, of her, and you... was being over at Grandma Clemans' when you were born, and your mom brought you over there. I was around 17, and in high school. I just remember her showing you off, to grandma, my mom, and me. She was very proud to have a daughter. 💜 A couple years ago, I connected with her on FB and enjoyed talking with her there. She was always supportive and we enjoyed sharing memories about loved ones lost. I will miss her. less
Amanda Bray
Thank you Lisa. I know she truly appreciated the posts from you, updating us on family matters on that side. She always felt bad that she didn't get over to talk to Aunt Barbara more often. We always enjoyed our visits.
She was such an amazing person. She was strong, persevering, and a caring person. She passed those traits on to her daughter and granddaughter. Her light will always shine through her family and friends. ♡♡♡