Debra Lovejoy

On January 6, 2023, Debra (Deb/Debbie) Lovejoy passed away in her Rantoul home, surrounded by family, after a fierce battle with metastatic lung cancer. She was 63.

No one can say that Deb, lost her battle because she never stopped fighting. No matter how sick she was, she always remained positive and determined. Though Deb's health was failing for years, few people knew the extent to which she struggled. Her positive outlook, joy for life and indomitable spirit kept her pushing through the pain. Through her, we know what resilience and perseverance truly look like.

Debbie, loved spring, sunshine, and adventure. She was an avid reader and loved country and classic rock music. She enjoyed crafts and home decorating and loved a good rummage sale. She loved football and was diehard Colts fan.

Debbie was born and raised in Middeltown, Ohio, and moved to Charleston, Illinois in 1979, at the age of 20. She worked hard her whole life to care for her family, and she served the Charleston community for more than 30 years, working at the Coles County Airport, Snyder’s Donut Shop, The VFW, and Lincoln Garden to name a few. She loved working with people, and was known around Charleston for her infectious smile, outspoken nature, and the kindness she showed to everyone. In 2011, Debbie, moved to Champaign and worked at Kraft until her health forced her into disability. Despite the pain and physical limitations, Deb was never one to sit or be idle. She made a beautiful home in Rantoul with her partner, Ed, who she met while working at Kraft, and her fur babies.

Deb is survived by her children, Brandi (Ryan S.) Woodward, Melissa (Mike L.) Lovejoy, Brittany (Ryan) Winkler, Zach (Jessica) Lovejoy, her seven grandchildren, and her ex-husband of 22 years, Michael Lovejoy. Deb leaves behind her partner, Edward (Ski) Wolynski, and her fur babies, Murphy, and Sparky. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Lola, and mother, Gloria, her infant daughter, Nichole, her son-in-law, Samuel Dennis, and her beloved Maltese, Teddy.

While Debbie's family grieves her loss, they are choosing to remember her in a way that honors her spirit. They invite the community to join them in a Celebration of Life Ceremony. It will take place at the Charleston VFW – 1821 20th St. Charleston, IL, on Saturday February 4th, from 11:30am to 2:30pm.

Family will also be playing bingo in her honor at the VFW at 5:30 that evening for those who would like to join. Deb's ashes will be scattered at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice Hearts Animal Rescue, which was so dear to Debbie.  https://www.hospiceheartsanimalrescue.org/

There is also a Memorial Fund set up to cover the cost of a memorial headstone. You can reach family for details at: brandi.woodward07@outlook.com. Online condolences: www.rortvedtfuneralservices.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Debra Lovejoy, please visit our floral store.