Debra Wodstrchill-Spurgin's Obituary
Debra Ann Wodstrchill-Spurgin (1967-2017)
On October 6, 2017, Debra donned angel wings, and transitioned into the ether under the glow of a brilliant, autumn Hunter’s Moon.
Debra was born September 15th, 1967 in Great Falls, Montana to Daniel and Pat Wodstrchill. She grew up all over the United States, the youngest daughter of an adventuring, nomadic Air Force family. Debra graduated high school in 1985 in Anchorage, Alaska and went on to attend The University of Alaska. Shortly after she chose to join her family in Montgomery, Alabama to pursue her real estate license and became a top producing agent many years over in her family’s business. Having an endless supply of energy and enthusiasm, she birthed a small local art gallery and antique boutique, while loving on and raising her beloved son, Kyle Kelly. After a move to Florida, Debra met the love of her life, best friend and soul mate, Gerald Spurgin, settling down in Tampa, and eventually to the home she loved in Lakeland.
She was naturally creative in all endeavors, possessing a feisty, entrepreneurial spirit and boundless energy. Debra loved shopping and fashion and built an EBay business that allowed her to combine two of her favorite hobbies. She even had friendly, positive connections made through relationships with her online customers. Her business flourished for years while she navigated travelling twice monthly to MD Anderson in Houston where she was a patient for approximately three years. Deb could often be seen hustling into the MD Anderson post office to ship packages prior to her Dr. appointments, or delivering beauty products and chocolates to her care providers, greeting all by name with a warm hug and that infectious smile of hers. She spent her time in Florida the last couple of years fully renovating and designing the new home she and Gerald purchased. She accomplished all of these things and so much more, long after a stage four cancer diagnosis.
At the age of 38, Debra was diagnosed with cancer and since that time, she has been nothing but a graceful fighter and winner. Her journey included taking care of herself with poise, mentoring & counselling cancer patients and contributing to cancer research studies for future survivors. She and her family would like to thank all of the staff at Moffit Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, MD Anderson in Houston, Texas, Watson Clinic in Lakeland, Florida and Good Shepherd Hospice, Lakeland, Florida for their relentless support and endearing, superior care of Debra over the past 12 years.
Debra loved big and that love was returned by Gerald Spurgin; her loving, loyal husband. She is survived by the following grateful beneficiaries of her intense support and nurturing; son Kyle Kelly; Gerald’s children Jackson, Grace and Abby; parents, Daniel & Patricia Wodstrchill; Kristine and Lee Curtis, Kimberly Wodstrchill and fiancé Jay Frank, Michael and Rachael Wodstrchill. Madeleine and David Burt, Spencer, Fletcher and Ethan Curtis, Lillyanna and Corbin Wodstrchill could not have been more adored by their Aunt Debbie; aunts and uncles Shelia and Kenny Bontty, Sheryl and Doug Houser; Sue and Gary Grabe, Allen Pudil, Rick and Luann Pudil and Pam Pudil.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents Robert & Arlene Wodstrchill of Walford, Iowa; Wilbur & Lillian Pudil of Swisher, Iowa and Niece Aby Lee Curtis.
Memorial services are planned to celebrate Debra’s life at 2:00 pm Saturday, October 21, 2017 Trinity Memorial Gardens, 12609 Memorial Drive, Trinity, Florida; (727-376-7824). Condolences for the family may be offered online at www.trinitymemorialgardens.com
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