Fishbein, Debra

Debra "Mom, Grammy, Debbie" Fishbein, nee Dissen, 77, of Northbrook, IL passed away on April 28, 2023 after her fourth courageous battle with cancer over the last 38 years. Debbie was born on March 13, 1946 in Chicago and was the third daughter of the late Benjamin and Ruthe Dissen. Debbie met her husband Kenny in the fall of 1959, during her freshman year at Senn High School. They went on their first date on April 2, 1960. From that moment on, their fate was sealed and a beautiful life together began to unfold. The high school sweethearts married in 1965 when she was 19 years old and Kenny was 20. Shortly after, Debbie and Kenny were quick to start a family. By the age of 27 years old, Debbie was a busy and devoted mother of four sons. In her younger years, Debbie relished her role of being a mother. She never missed a ball game, a golf match or any other activity her boys were involved in. As a proud and involved grandmother of five grandsons and three granddaughters, she resumed her role in the stands, on the golf cart and excitedly attended dance recitals and school performances. A selfless and true matriarch, there was nothing more important to Debbie than Kenny, her boys and their growing families. Debbie and Kenny were fortunate enough to be able to take all 8 of their grandchildren on trips to anywhere in the world prior to each of them entering high school. These trips created everlasting memories for them and their grandchildren. These travels included trips to Europe, Japan, China, New York City, Pebble Beach and even a deep sea fishing trip in south Florida. Debbie was small in stature but a warrior within, especially when it came to her family and those she deeply cared about. She had a deep-rooted need to protect, nurture and love her family and friends. True to her character, even throughout her own challenges, others were always her priority. Described as the most selfless, caring person one could know, Debbie made everyone feel special and heard. Her unwavering kindness extended to the closest of friends and to mere acquaintances. She treated everyone the same. She was an inherent giver on every level. Her thoughtfulness was felt and seen in the largest and smallest of ways. Debbie is survived by Kenny, her soulmate and devoted husband of 57 years. She was the beloved and revered mother of David (Mariann), Jeffrey (Sharyl), Daniel (Stacey) and Jimmy. Grammy is also survived by her eight "angels from heaven" as she called them: her grandchildren, Jacob, Sami, Noah, Isabel, Bennett, Carly, Eli and Billy. Debbie is also survived by her older sister, Jackie Steiner and the late Lynn "Cissy" Bernstein. Debbie was also the loving aunt of many nieces and nephews. An incredible friend to all, Debbie will be greatly missed by her close circle of friends, including her oldest and dearest friend in the world, Arlyn Goodman. Funeral service Monday, May 1, 1 PM at Congregation BJBE, 1201 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield, IL 60015. Interment to follow at Shalom Memorial Park, 1700 W. Rand Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60004. A celebration of Debbie's life will follow interment at Twin Orchard Country Club, 22353 Old McHenry Rd, Long Grove, IL 60047 until 9 p.m. and on Tuesday, May 2 from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Foundation (give.rolfefoundation.org/give/349387/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=RolfeHeaderButton). For info: 847-256-5700

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