On May 31, 2015 the Lord took Debra Marie Andersen home.
Debbie, Debala, Debalyn, was born on November 27, 1958 in Bay Ridge Brooklyn to Evelyn Andersen and Arthur Andersen. She was an adorable child with curly platinum curls and somewhat mischievous; getting asked to leave her first dancing school around the age of 4, not because she wasn't well liked, but because she kept distracting the class with her antics.

Her parents purchased and ran a rooming house, like many other Scandinavian families at the time. It provided shelter for the sailors who thronged the waterfront community and affordable housing for others. It was also a place that fueled her imagination with the various assortment of characters who lived under the same roof as she.

She attended the local grammar school up the block from her home PS 94 Tragedy stuck her young life when her father suddenly died of a massive heart attack, when she was 7. Financially, it became more difficult for the family, but her home was also filled with laughter.

In fact, Debbie had a lot of adventures growing up on the streets of Brooklyn. Her escapades with her zany mother who she often compared to Lucy, were legendary. These remained part of Debbie's story telling repertoire throughout her life.

Debbie went on to Bay Ridge High School. It was at this time in her life that she became born again. Her strong convictions lead her to attend
Pinecrest Christian Academy in New York.

After graduation she moved to Virginia Beach. She was briefly married to Brian Smith. She remained constant in her love of God and faith.

She moved to Florida, in the early 1980s, where she resided until her death. For about 20 years Debbie was employed with the various Family Christian Book Stores in the Boca Raton area, where she greeted all with an open heart and infectious smile, In 1994, her mother joined Debbie in Florida. Debbie took great care of her mother with incredible patience and compassion for 18 years. Her mother passed away in 2012.

One highlight for this lovely lady was when she was united with her Norwegian family. She had 5 siblings from her father's side. In 1998, her family surprised her with a trip to her father's hometown - Kvinesdal. She wound up riding a tractor up the side of a mountain, almost falling off, surrounded by sheep. She had a blast and was very grateful to have re-connected with her roots and Norwegian family. In fact, Debbie was so proud of her Norwegian heritage that she had an entire cabinet in her living room, filled to the brim with Norwegian memorabilia.

Other highlights were her trip to Hawaii with her mom, niece and great-niece, her frequent jaunts to Disney with her friends and her themed parties. The later frequently had a Hawaiian flair and included: her brother-in-law in a coconut bra, her mother in a bikini t-shirt and all others donned in grass skirts and leis.

Throughout her life Debbie remained a student, teacher and creator. As a student she continued to explore her faith and sociological/psychological issues that interested her through: studying, deep reading and classes. As a teacher she brought many to God and supported those who had fallen from God. As a creator, every Christmas she would make and send to Brooklyn crazy shirts for her mother. (They often lit up.) She was an amazing costume designer and maker and her mother served as her model: Lady GaGa, The Lollipop Kid,
Cindy Lou Who from The Grinch and Snookie from Jersey Shore, just to name a few. And more recently, she has been writing music. She always had a love of rock and Christian music. She taught herself the guitar.when she was a young teenager. More recently she began writing Christian music.

This is a tribute to a woman of faith, and a faithful friend, sister, aunt, cousin, and niece. We are grateful for Debbie's life, for her tender heart that touched so many and her steadfast love and caring.

Debbie's family would like to share some thoughts of her with you. .


Barbara Brack, Sister - How can you describe an angel - nothing but love and perfection Words cannot express my feelings for Debbie because she's above and beyond anyone else I've ever know, She was not just a loving sister, she was my best friend..

Teddy Brack, Brother-in-law - She was so beautiful and loving. She loved everybody and she changed lives, She changed my life.

Jerry Richter, Sister - She was my little turkey, mama's little partner in crime and our family's little angel.

Victoria Hofmo, Niece - Since we were so close in age Debbie was more like a cousin or sister to me, than an aunt. We were thick as thieves as kids and it was so wonderful to share so much of my youth and adulthood with her - dancing with droopy drawers, milk cartoon Dutch shoes, shows in the areaway (air - e way in Brooklyn), a block party wedding, onion pancakes, Alice Cooper cakes, Elvis impersonators, and pina coladas. Thanks for all your loving care to Mor Mor - Debalyn. You will be sorely missed. There is a void - a hole that cannot be filled.- an emptiness. I am grateful for all we shared together and I am mourning all we had planned that was not to be. .

Sonja - My dear, sweet Aunt Debbie. Taken from us too soon. Always so kind and happy. I will remember your beautiful smile. Your laughter was infectious. I will miss all the stories. So many good memories. When times are tough, I ask myself "WWDD"?, (what would Debbie do). You have touched so many with your wisdom and grace. I know you are happy and pain free now, you are home. You will be loved forever. You were always an Angel on earth, now spread your wings and fly. Xoxo. Sonja

Cyndi Brack, Niece
Sweetest soul
with a heart of gold.
A brilliant smile.
A laugh heard for miles.
After the dawn,
we blinked, she was gone.
Jesus took her hand,
led her to the Promised Land.
In the Kingdom of heaven she will be.
Her heart will always be with me.


Shannon Wade, Niece - Debbie was laughter and lightness. The definition of sweetness.

Arlene Russo, Cousin - Debra was more like a sister to me, than a cousin. I will miss her with all my heart. She is loved.

A few in the family, have joked that they can imagine Debbie and Mor Mor (her mother) in their side by side lazy boy recliners, looking down at us from heaven. There they are - in all their glory - pain free and shining - The Golden Girls.



The family of Debra Anderson will be receiving friends from 10am-11am with a 11am Celebration of Life Service to follow at Gary Panoch Funeral Home & Cremations on Saturday, June 27, 2015.

Professional arrangements by Gary Panoch Funeral Home & Cremation, 6140 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton, FL 33487.