Deborah Dee (Woodcock) Melichar

Deborah Dee (Woodcock) Melichar

November 17, 1953 – September 26, 2024

Deborah was born November 17, 1953, in Superior, Nebraska, to parents, Agnes Fern Cotter Woodcock and Fredrick James Woodcock.

Deb lived a full and fruitful life, despite the death of her mother when she was 14. She lived with her twin, Barb, in many homes from that point forward and was pretty much on her own at age 18.

She was a graduate of Omaha South (1972). Deb’s first job was in the mail room of Mutual of Omaha. In 1974, she married Norman and together they had three sons, Matthew, Andrew, and Phillip.

She raised children with a sense of pride, positive outlooks on life, and a zest for living every day. Many times, Norm and Deb found things for the family to do, that didn’t cost money, just love and time. She was an outstanding mom, friend, love, and wife.

Over the years, Deb worked as a babysitter, and also worked many jobs at Target, including working as a short order cook and manager of several departments and the cash office. She was also employed by Bluffs Run as a cashier.

Deb was an active member of Saint Margaret Mary Catholic Church, taught Sunday School for many years, and was a member of the Apostolic Oblates/ Pro Sanctity Movement.

Later she became a member of the Episcopal Church, and was a member of Trinity Cathedral.

Deb touched many lives, even though she often didn’t know what a great impact she had on those she encountered. She always had time to sit and chat with anyone that came by. Even as she was dying, she made sure she talked to each person that came in to see her, leaving an indelible mark on everyone.

We joked about Deb having nine lives. Over the years, she suffered many illnesses, including surviving breast cancer twice, multiple broken bones, falls, and a serious injury that brought her close to death, and a hospital stay of over a month. Diabetes, and a broken arm that never healed correctly, took their toll. Her last bout of liver disease, varicose veins, and multiple bleeds throughout her body, was more than she could recover from.

We miss this grand lady, who told all of us: “Don’t mourn me, celebrate me. Live on, the best lives you can. Bring color into your life, go for the adventures you skipped, never give up on love.”

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Mary Ellen; brother, Jim.

She is survived by her husband, Norman; sons: Matthew, Andrew, and Phillip; two grandchildren, Adam and Joslyn; sisters, Judy and Barbara, brother, Dan; nieces and nephews.

VISITATION: Friday, October 4, 2024, from 5pm to 7pm at the West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: Saturday, October 5th at 10am at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 113 N. 18th St.

Memorials are suggested to the church.

To view a live broadcast of the Memorial Service, please visit https://www.youtube.com/trinitycathedralomaha