Debra Marie (Kujawa) Cassell

Debra Marie Kujawa Cassell, the heart and matriarch of our family, passed away peacefully at home during sunrise on March 20, 2026, the first day of spring. Her courageous battle with breast cancer began in the spring of 2023. From the beginning and until the end, she was surrounded by her loving daughters and cherished grandchildren.

Debbie, affectionately known as Deb or “Doobie” to many, spent her life as a devoted caretaker. For nearly thirty years, she ran an in-home daycare in Traverse City, Michigan. Countless children and families were nurtured and shaped by her commitment to serve and love others. In 2015, she moved to Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren. There, she started her own cleaning company and continued to touch many lives through her kindness, compassion, and dedication to others.

Above all, she invested her greatest love and devotion to her daughters and her grandchildren. She was a constant presence at sporting events, recitals, and school functions. She created countless memories through movie nights, holiday celebrations, cooking, baking, crafts, game nights, and family vacations. She had a gift for bringing people together, and always found a way to make others smile. Her laughter was truly contagious and will echo in our hearts forever. She embraced each moment by always being present and giving of herself. Even in the most difficult times, she remained a shining example of what unconditional love and resilience looks like. She gave the very best hugs; warm, comforting, and full of love. Anyone fortunate enough to have received one, felt kindness through her tender embrace and these hugs will forever be missed.

Throughout her life and despite her long journey with breast cancer, Debbie showed those around her what it meant to live with courage, grace, and an unwavering smile. She was the cornerstone of her family, a steady source of love, strength, and comfort. Her legacy of compassion and enduring kindness will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her gentle nature and soft soul.

Her faith in God was steadfast, and she found peace in knowing she would one day be welcomed home. One of her favorite psalms reads, “He will cover you with his feathers, He will shelter you with His wings. His faithful promises are where you will find protection and refuge.” Psalm 91-4. 

We take comfort in knowing she is now in Heaven, safe under God’s magnificent presence and now a special Guardian Angel to many!

She is survived by her beloved parents, Jack and Shirley Kujawa; her daughters, Angela, Jennifer, and Kaylee; and her grandchildren, Aidan, Nadia, Jasiah, and Amariana; as well as her sisters, Kim and Jackie, all of whom will carry her Love forward in their hearts forever and ever.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Michigan during her birth month in July. Her wishes were to be brought home. She will forever be remembered for the light she brought into the lives of others, the profound impact she made on everyone she met, and her life and legacy rooted in Love. Her vibrant spirit endured Love and Life with confidence. Her confidence was in His command to, above all else, love one another deeply, as the Good Lord has loved you!