Debra L. Phelps Smith Finney, age 57, of Waterford, passed away January 18, 2012 after a courageous battle with cancer with her family by her side. She was born December 17, 1954 in Union City, PA, the daughter of Howard and Judith (Fisk) Phelps of Union City.
Debra graduated in 1972 from Union City Area High School. She worked at Elgin Electronics in Waterford and more recently for the Fort LeBoeuf School District for 17 years, most of it as a school bus driver. She attended St. Mark’s Lutheran Church.
In addition to her parents, she is survived by her husband and best friend of 30 years, Richard A. Finney; her children, Joshua Smith and friend Jenna Karmazin, Cara Finney and Ryan Finney, all of Waterford; and she adored her grandchildren, Ryleigh, Taylor, Natalie, Ian, Jordyn and Tyler– they lovingly called her “Ammie” and “Gramy”.
Debra is also survived by her sisters, Kathleen (Dan) Stepnowski of Hilton, NY, Nancy (Mark) Hammond of Corry, PA; her brothers, David (April) Phelps of Duncannon, PA and Adam Phelps and friend, Karl Gressley of North Fort Myers, FL; her mother-in-law, Anna Finney of Erie; brothers-in-law, Robert (Rose) Finney of Hickory, NC, Joe (Lila) Finney of Union City, Bill (Bonnie) Finney of Waterford, and Mike Finney of Zephyrhills, FL; also, several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Richard and Ann Fisk, and Farl and Rhoda Phelps; her father-in-law Harold Finney, brother-in-law Edwin Finney, and uncles Jon Fisk and Everett Phelps.
She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.
No calling hours will be held. A memorial service will be held February 11, 2012 at 11:00 am at the First Presbyterian Church, 112 West 3rd Street, Waterford. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation, 130 West 8th Street, Suite 216, Erie, PA 16501.
My heart is heavy, with the news of Debbie’s passing, we were classmates and enjoyed doing many activities together. Her soft spoken voice and caring heart will be remembered always. May you all find peace through this difficult time.
Dear Family,
I am so sorry to here of your loss, especially at such a young age. I personally did not know Debra but im sure you could use some comforting words from God’s word the Bible. Did you know God will bring her back to life again strong and healthy? Please read about this at John 5:28,29 and Revelation 21:4.
Have you ever wondered why God allows suffering and death to continue? If you would like that answered through the bible please email at kellz192@yahoo.com
Sincerely, Kelly Konyha
Dearest Finney family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.
We’ll treasure Deb in our hearts always.
Rich & Family…….so sorry for your loss. You’re in our thoughts and prayers and, as always, if there is anything we can do all you need is to let us know.