DECATUR - Debra Vasquez, 47, Decatur, passed away at 7:56 p.m. Monday, May 3, 2010, at Decatur Memorial Hospital with her family by her side.
Funeral liturgy to celebrate Debra's life will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 8, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 2160 N. Edward, Deacon Kevin Richardson celebrant. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
Debra was born Aug. 30, 1962, in Quincy, the daughter of Sam D. Johnson and V. Joyce (Behrens) Graham. She graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a double major in sociology and psychology. She was a member of the Kappa Delta sorority and served on the Pan-Hellenic Council. She was nominated for homecoming queen at EIU in 1983. She was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. She served on the St. Patrick School Board. She was the social services director at Lincoln Manor for over 18 years. She served on the Lincoln Manor Family Council. She was active in the League of United Latin American Citizens in Galesburg. She loved working with her residents and they loved her. She enjoyed shopping, fashion, music, the Internet, and watching movies. She married Diego Vasquez on July 15, 1989.
She leaves behind her husband, Diego; daughters Alyssa and Samantha; parents Sam Johnson and wife Carol of Decatur and V. Joyce Graham and husband Bill of Quincy; brother Aron Johnson and wife Sarah of Decatur; sisters Melinda Gibson and husband Dale of Quincy and Tricia Johnson of Quincy; father and mother-in-law Lupe and Jennie Vasquez of Galesburg; brothers-in-law Victor and Armondo Vasquez, both of Galesburg; sisters-in-law Margie Vasquez of Galesburg, Joan Smith and husband Steve of Galesburg and Sonya Jones and husband Jeff of Knoxville; and her special dog, Basil.
The family would like to give a special thanks to the nurses and staff at Decatur Memorial Hospital and the Cancer Care Specialists of Central Illinois, Dr. Maibenco, Dr. Velasco, Dr. Goetter and Dr. Babich; special friend, Karen Vercellino; and everyone for all of their prayers and support during Debbie's illness.
Published in The Register-Mail on May 6, 2010