Deborah Jayne Redman

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our cherished Deborah Jayne Redman on September 29, 2024. Debbi was our beloved wife, mom, grandma, sister, and friend. Born March 27, 1951 to Arthur and Marion Redman, Debbi grew up in Gibraltar, MI, a small town of islands at the mouth of Lake Erie, down the river from Detroit. She held great affection for the area throughout her life. She loved the water, Lake Michigan especially. She was the eldest sibling of five which shaped her innate ability to take the lead and to watch over and care for all who were lucky enough to know her. In many ways, these traits defined who she was as a person. She was ever the protector.

When she became a mom herself, first to Joshua then to Annie, they became her priority and remained so throughout her lifetime. She and her current husband Lyle were together for 40 years and were intensely devoted to each other. Later, her devotion expanded even further when her granddaughter Rowan (Annie) arrived in the world. Rowan and her ‘Bubbie’ had a special connection and to say that a new level of joy was created for both of them would be an understatement. When her daughter in law Sara (Josh) joined our family, Deb engulfed her in the same love, making no distinction of ‘in law’ but fully adopting her as one of her own. The most apt description of Debbi is that she pulled each person within our family, our extended family and many friends under the umbrella of her love and truly unending support. She was a ‘drop everything and be there’ kind of a human being and we all benefited from her selfless support many times over. She was always there for us no matter what.

Deb was retired, but throughout her career always chose positions that allowed her to help others. Her most rewarding occupation was Human Resources Director for a group home for troubled children. Her devotion to helping those lost, alone or struggling, is a true testament to her character as a person. This treasured woman made an indelible mark on the world in more ways than we could properly express with mere words.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Marion, and her siblings Denise, Jeffery and Kevin. She is survived by her devoted husband Lyle, her dear sister, Suzanne (Russ), her children, Josh (Sara) and Annie and her ever-adored granddaughter, Rowan. She is also survived by more extended family and close friends than are possible to list. She touched so many lives and her love and care will live on in all of us. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making an In Honor donation to the Southwest Nature Conservancy. https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/SouthwestMichiganLandConser/MemorialHonor.html 

We will be planning a memorial service for family and friends at a later date.