Deborah A. “Debby” Engler
November 12, 1950 – August 30, 2024
VISITATION: Wednesday, September 4, 2024, from 5pm to 7pm at the West Center Chapel, followed by VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Thursday, September 5th at 10:30am at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church. Family Interment, Resurrection Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church.
To view live broadcasts of the Vigil Service and Mass, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
Debby Engler died peacefully on August 30, 2024, at the age of 73 surrounded by loved ones. Debby is survived by her parents, Mel and Connie Engler of Omaha; sisters, Cristy (Dave) Beutler of York, ME and Sally (Dan) Witt of Omaha. In addition, eight nieces and nephews, along with their spouses; numerous great-nieces and nephews; stepdaughter, Lindsey (Ryan) Watford; grandchildren, Kate and Sam, of Gravette, AR; best friend, Karen (Steve) Jacobson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Phil Glassman.
Debby was born in Lincoln, NE, and spent her childhood in Omaha. She attended Westside High School and was active in choir and theatrical productions. She graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha with a degree in journalism and marketing. She married the love of her life, Phil Glassman, in 1977. They were happily married for 18 years until Phil’s death in 1995.
Debby had a wide and varied career that spanned many different industries. She worked in broadcast journalism, retail marketing, teaching preschool music, financial services, catering, and owned a coffee/ice cream shop. More importantly, she brought joy to her work and developed many lasting friendships.
Debby was passionate about celebrating holidays. Halloweens were an epic event for anyone who attended her annual party. Derby Days at Debby’s were full of laughter and libations. She was a generous woman who never failed to acknowledge a birthday, graduation or other special occasion for her large family and friends. Debby was a dog lover throughout her life and had many beloved pets. Most recently, Xenia gave her comfort and joy every day.
Debby’s family and friends will remember her as someone who brought positivity and joy to everyone she met. She had the voice of an angel and shared this gift by singing at many weddings and funerals to honor her loved ones. Debby’s courageous battle was marked with the same optimism with which she lived her life.
Debby’s family is thankful for the compassionate care received from the professionals at Methodist Hospital. In addition, we want to recognize the endless support and assistance given by her neighbors and friends.
5 Comments
Sorry to hear of Debby’s death. We met in Kentucky and shared many events together.
I am devastated with this news. To Connie, Mel, Cristy and Sally, your families, and all those folks who made up Debby’s world, I offer my deepest sympathy. I was so delighted that Debby and I had made contact again after being childhood friends. I will carry her memory in my heart. God bless all of you.
Thank you for your condolences. Our family misses her greatly, but she’s not suffering. She truly loved her time in Kentucky and the great friends like you.
Hi Nancy, I spent several weeks with Debby as she began her treatments in January. She told me she had reconnected with you and she reminesed positively about having you as a neighbor. Although I was pretty young when we were neighbors, I do remember you and your love of horses. We had a lot of fun on North 32nd Street!
Oh, Cris, I am just seeing this. Thank you so much for answering. It was such a pleasure to reconnect with Debby and I treasure the times and conversations we had. My best to your whole family.
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