Debra Le (Shasteen) Roe

If I can stop one heart from breaking,

I shall not live in vain.

If I can ease one life the aching,

Or cool one pain,

Or help one fainting robin

Unto his nest again,

I shall not live in vain.

~Emily Dickinson

There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.

~Edith Wharton

     One word describes Debra Le Roe, who left us suddenly on January 11, 2018. . . breathtaking. And one thing is for certain, she did not live her life in vain.  She vigorously filled her years mending broken hearts, easing pain, and helping fainting robins unto their nests again. Because of her constant giving nature, so many people (and animals) were touched by Debbie’s light and influenced by her kindness. No matter who knew her first, the longest, or the last, we are all so very grateful to have been loved by Debbie Le.

    A woman who bought presents year-round for her loved ones and left random items on our door steps if she stopped by while we were out, Debbie knew when someone needed a hug or space to grow. She dedicated 33+ years of her life helping the mentally disabled, and cared about her patients and coworkers passionately. She also enjoyed donating to the homeless shelter and anonymously helping animals she knew to be in distress (if you’ve found a new dog house in your yard or bag of dog food on your porch, then you, too, may have been touched by Debbie’s light). As a wonderful daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, partner, best friend, her dogs’ world, and more, Debbie filled every role during her lifetime, and she did it all so well. She was our backbone, the strong one, the woman who could overcome anything and even carry us while doing it. Debbie Le Roe was, in one word, breathtaking, and her passing has taken our breath away.

     Per Debbie’s request, formal funeral services will not be held. Instead, an informal gathering is being planned for this summer at Monroe Reservoir. Details will be announced at a later date.  We can celebrate Debbie now in many ways. We can join with her friends and family at the North Vernon Am Vets on Sunday, January 28, 2018 at 2:00 pm for a pitch-in gathering filled with great people, memory-sharing, and love.  We can also enjoy music in her honor at Ross Country Jamboree in Scottsburg, where she experienced many, many great evenings with those she loved so dearly. We can go antique shopping, walk the river in Madison, play some Pink Floyd loudly, or simply donate to an animal shelter/rescue in her name. The important thing is that we send Debbie onto her next adventure in a way that feels right to us, and we never stop spreading her light and unconditional love. Because, at the end of the day, it really comes down to how much you loved, and Debbie did it all so well.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Debra Le (Shasteen) Roe, please visit our floral store.