Deborah L. Schafer

Deborah L. (Marsaglia) Schafer died Friday, September 7, 2012, after a courageous, 3-year battle with ALS. Although the disease robbed her of her ability to speak, eat, walk, and eventually to breathe, it could not take her positive spirit, the love she felt for family and friends, and the smile she displayed until the end.
Debbie will be missed most by her husband of 34 years, Dan, who she wed on August 12, 1978, her daughter and son-in-law, Rianne and John Zibutis, and her granddaughter, her “angel”, Anna Sophia Zibutis, who was born shortly after her diagnosis. One of Debbie’s biggest regrets is that her granddaughter was never able to hear her voice.
She will also be missed by her parents, John “Jim” and Bonnie Marsaglia, to who she was born on November 20, 1958; her brothers, Michael and James (wife, Kelli), and sister, Patricia, whose almost daily visits she looked forward to and cherished, and her feline friend, Chloe. She will also be missed by her many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.
Debbie was an organ donor and wanted her “Gift of Hope” to answer prayers of other families in need. She had a kind, gentle heart and her family takes comfort knowing it continues to beat for some lucky recipient.
Debbie was a 1977 graduate of Sacred Heart Academy and worked in the insurance industry for many years, particularly with R.W. Troxell and Standard Mutual. She was a member of St. Agnes Parish.
She enjoyed cooking, something she became quite accomplished at due to the training she received from Rachel, Paula and Giada. Her frosted strawberry bread was a state fair ribbon winner and was enjoyed by many of the people she cared about. They will most certainly miss it.
She enjoyed shopping at Christopher and Banks, country music, a beer or two with dinner on Friday and Saturday nights, a nearly daily visit to the grocery store for something, and the Waltons.
She enjoyed traveling, particularly to the condo on Siesta Key, FL.
Her family would like to acknowledge the compassionate care and pampering she received from her caregiver, Frank Hollinshead, and Heart and Hand Care Service.
Visitation: 4 – 7 pm Wednesday, September 12, 2012 at Staab Funeral Home with a prayer service at 4 pm.
Funeral Mass: 10:00 am Thursday, September 13, 2012 at St. Agnes Church with Reverend Robert Jallas officiating.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Les Turner ALS Foundation through Northwestern University, Northwest Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL or Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network, Itasca, IL.