Debra “Debbie” Cygert

Debra “Debbie” Cygert, 70, transitioned to heaven on April 8, 2022, surrounded by peace, love and with her loving daughter Desiree at her side.

Born December 29, 1951 in South Bend, she was the daughter of the late James Peter and Barbara (Samuels) Campbell. Her brother, Leslie Payne also preceded her in death. Debbie married the love of her life, Alan Cygert, on August 31, 1996. He preceded her in death in 2015.

There was a little girl named Debbie Sue, she had so many siblings she didn’t know what to do. She became (if only in her mind) the “boss,” with a mischievous spirit and a love for pranks. She graciously made her little brother Jimmy a hamburger, who quickly discovered it was made of Alpo. She believed her little sister Jayme, should wear a globe as a hat, unfortunately for Jayme, the globe had metal prongs in it, and in Jayme’s words she “has the scars to prove it.” Moms mischievous reign continued, until one fateful day at Sisters Lake, when her little brother Andy, gave her a look, which let her know her reign as boss had ended. Her siblings were forever grateful, when Debbie’s attention was diverted by a man on a motorcycle, Billy. Debbie’s love of motorcycles was born. Years later she developed a love for softball, becoming a talented pitcher, for a local softball team coached by her brother Andy. Mom also loved being outside, growing plants and flowers.

Debbie raised three daughters, teaching them many life lessons, and shaping them into the women they would become. She would always say, “things could be worse” and “stand up straight and keep your chin up” during challenging times. She sacrificed so much for her daughters, instilling within us independence, resiliency, and a strong love of family. We didn’t understand her sacrifices, and the challenges she faced until we were older, as she did her best to shield us. Mom was a great cook, who hung up her apron, when her little girls grew up. She did pull it out, for special holidays and for her grandchildren. We would have wonderful Sunday dinners together. Mom and Al loved to celebrate Halloween and Christmas. The grandbabies always looked forward to parties at grandma and grandpa’s house. She loved her grandchildren with all her heart.

When Mom got sick in November, 2021, we made sure she was taken care of every moment of the day. We discovered her love of Swedish Fish, and her son-in-law Ty’s cooking. She would ask Desiree, every morning, “What’s for dinner,” knowing he would be cooking. Desiree would laugh, and ask “Can we have breakfast first?” Two weeks ago, she told Desiree that she had never felt more loved in her life. Michelle would sit next to Mom, keeping watch over her, and together watching many episodes of CSI and discussing facial moisturizers. Nothing was more important, than making sure all of Mom’s needs and wants were met.

Debbie made her transition to heaven on April 8, 2022. We know she was met, by all of her family, and that Al was waiting at the gates to embrace her. Although we all miss her incredibly, and were not ready for her to leave, we know she is at peace, and that she will be watching and covering us with her love.

Left to cherish her memory are three daughters, Michelle Anastasio of Granger, Tina Barrier of Indianapolis, and Desiree (Clyde) Foster of Mishawaka; two brothers, James (Cristal) Campbell of South Bend and Andrew (Karen Holdsworth) Campbell of Englewood, FL and sister, Jayme (Mark) Willemin of Hernando Beach, FL. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren: Joshua, Ashley (Dave), Chad, Gabriel (Sarah), Isabella, Kaitlynn (Blake), Tyler, Adrieana (Arik), Brett, Blair, Brogan, Maygan and Shayla; and eight great-grandchildren: Kierrah, Sharayah, Cohen, Mason, Navy, Beckham, Dave, Jr. and Seth.

Debbie was a devoted wife, mom and grandma. She enjoyed spending time with her family. She loved the ocean, music, having dance parties, and playing pranks on her family. She had the best sense of humor. She was a hard worker and had been a server at Jim Cira’s and Silver Tower Restaurant, until she retired in 2005, to take care of Mary Grandma.

The family would like to offer a heartfelt “Thank You,” to Beacon Granger Hospital ER Dr. Zimmer who, compassionately and graciously, held her hand when providing her initial diagnosis. We would also like to thank Hospice Nurse Ashley Gizzi, who Mom looked forward to visiting with her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 7 from 3-7 p.m. at the Majestic on the River, 121 S. Niles, Suite 13, South Bend, IN. The family encourages you to wear Debbie’s favorite colors, blue or purple.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family, to help with expenses, at any First Source Bank. Make the check to Desiree Foster, and please put “Debbie Cygert memorial fund” in the memo.

To send private condolences to the family, please visit www.McGannHay.

Posted online on April 16, 2022

Published in South Bend Tribune