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Debra Houdek Obituary

Houdek, Debra L. (nee Copenhaver), 52, of Dyer/Las Vegas, went to see the Lord on Sunday, May 18, as a result of an ATV Accident, in Reno, Nevada. Beloved wife of Lee, beloved mother of the three sons she cherished, Brian (Christina) of Itasca, Anthony and Chad, loving mother Rose, sisters, Patricia, Peggy and Rosemary. She deeply touched the lives of family friends and colleagues throughout the U.S. She will be greatly loved and missed. A Memorial Service will be held in the near future.

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times from May 31 to Jun. 2, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Debra Houdek

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Sylvia Felecos

May 14, 2009

My deepest sympathy to all of you. I have Chad in my class, and he is truly a wonderful sensitive young man. He is a reflection of his mom's upbringing. His mom would have been very proud of him. I saw a photo posted of Chad with his mom, and the love they shared is beautiful. I lost my dad a day before Chad lost his mom; and today, almost a year later, when I started to tear up in class, Chad was comforting me. What a wonderful legacy for his mom to have such an honorable son!

skylar grzesik

January 2, 2009

chad i am srry to here about your mom she was a very nice person and i luv ya

Kaylee Sukno

December 7, 2008

chad i am sooo sorry to hear about ur mom i luv yah..never change....

T. J. Johnson

November 10, 2008

houdek so sorry to hear about your mom she was a great person and loving mother. I know what your going through and it is tough I lost my dad in may to cancer. Be strong remember the good times and be happy she is in a better place.

Carole Bushnell

July 17, 2008

Deb, we go back so far..and while we didn't see each other often enough as our lives became busy and time went on, we were able to stay in touch over the years. I'm so grateful for having known you, so blessed to have been nearly life-long friends..your sense of humor, your enthusiasm and wisdom and your spirit enriched my life, and you have always stayed close to my heart. Your memory will be with me forever.

Lee, Brian, Anthony, and Chad..please know that you're in my thoughts and prayers.

With heartfelt sympathy and love,

Twanda

July 11, 2008

To The Family of Debra Houdek,
I along with my co-worker Debbie, would like you and your family to know that you are in our prayers. We really enjoyed working with Debra.

God Bless You

Ryan Hutchison

June 24, 2008

Brian,
I am so sorry to hear about your mom...She was a great lady that was very proud of you...My prayers are with you and the rest of your family during these tough times.

Josh Novotney

June 24, 2008

I am very sorry to hear about Mrs. Houdek. She was not only a buddy's mom, but a friend to all of us that knew her! We will miss her greatly.

Theresa Hutchison

June 23, 2008

Brian and family,
We are so sad to learn of your mother's death. She really loved all of you, and we will always remember her at all the Western games. Love and prayers to all of you.

Matthew Johns

June 17, 2008

To the Houdek Family,

on behalf of the Johns family our paryers our with you during this tragedy. Feel free to let us know if you need anything at all. Debra was a wonderful woman we are going to miss her dearly. She will remain in our hearts forever.

Amanda Dech

June 5, 2008

Houdek Family,
Sorry to hear of your loss. I worked with Deb for a short time at methodist hospital.

Mary Stuart

June 5, 2008

Leroy,
We were so sorry to hear about Debra, what a tragedy. On behalf of my family please except our sympathies and know that you and your boys are in our thoughts and prayers.
We Love Ya,
Mary Stuart and Family

Temi Olobayo

June 3, 2008

My heart ache for the loss of my former professor Debra. She was an awesome person. She inspired me in many ways when I was a student at USN. I will never forget all the advice she gave me. I was hoping that I will tell her about my experience as a new nurse but I never got chance to tell her. I will deeply miss you professor Debra Houdek, you trully touched my heart. Rest in the bossom of our Lord Jesus.

Bill Madden

June 2, 2008

Leroy I just found out about Debbie. I am so sorry When we seen one another a couple of years ago it brought back some good memories. I will always remember the help she gave me thru some rough times.Tell the boys that I said hello.

Barbara Raymond-Hicks MSN,FNP

May 31, 2008

To Debra's Family, my heart is filled with sadness for the loss of my co-worker, I will miss her smile and the joy she brought to everyone's life.

Good Times With The Girls

May 30, 2008

A Great Educator

May 30, 2008

Great Sense of Humor and A Very Proud Mom of All Three of Her Boys

Betty Ann Powers-Luhn

May 30, 2008

Debra will sorely be missed at USN. Her vibrate personality and passion for teaching was apparent to everyone she met. Many students bonded quickly and stayed in contact with her after they graduated to share their experiences as new nurses. I only had the honor of knowing Deb for a little less than a year but will always cherish those memories.

Michelle Ann Alegre

May 30, 2008

Michelle Ann Alegre Nursing Student class of 2008

Jacqualine Seip

May 30, 2008

Debra was bigger than life - she was such a joy and we shared many happy hours together. I will truly miss her and the energy she brought to the University. My thoughts and prayers are with you always.
Jackie Seip, Executive Assistant to President

Sue Mitidiero

May 29, 2008

Debra and I were very close as children growing up on the Scanlan playground. She was a great friend and a person of great inner strength and character. It is obvious why she had such an impact on so many people throughout her relatively short life.

Although we lost touch for many years, my conversation with her last year seemed like it hadn't been over 30 years since we had seen each other. We were just planning a reunion in Las Vegas once she got settled. I am very sorry that never came about. it would have been great fun to chat about the old times in Roseland. She did express how much her family meant to her, and how she loved all those close to her. Especially how proud she was of her boys.

My memories of Debra will always be fond ones. A tragic death that comes so unexpectedly can be very difficult for you both individually, and as a family. Try to remember the good things when you think of her and don't let your grief overcome you. I'm sure she would have wanted it that way. My prayers are with you.

Janice Muhammad

May 29, 2008

To Lee, the Boys, and your entire family, please accept my deepest sympathy and condolences.

Indeed, a special dynamic personality and exuberant spirit like Deb's has touched countless lives. Fortunate am I, to have had the opportunity that our paths should cross as colleagues.

So glad to know that you printed and posted those "Postive Thoughts for the Day" on your office door...Rest in peace "Mid-West Homey Girl"...will miss you.

Eucharia Nnadi

May 29, 2008

To Debra's family: Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. I will miss Debra's beautiful smile and delightful nature. May God comfort you and give you strength during this very difficult time.

Katherine Cylke

May 29, 2008

I worked with Debra here in Las Vegas, at the University. From the first time I met Debra she exuded energy and exhilaration.

Debra was one of those rare people who considered each new day as an adventure and greeted each adventure with fearless passion. She will not be forgotten…

With Deepest Sympathy, Katherine Cylke

Journey Reyes

May 29, 2008

Professor Houdek was a real, down-to-earth, an in your face "tough love", and caring person. She made the best cookies and always had my back, including my circle of friends. She will be greatly missed. A friend, a teacher, a role model...

Eileen Hug

May 28, 2008

Dear Ones--
I only knew Debra a short time but from the moment I interviewed her, I knew I had a kindred "midwestern" spirit here at USN. She was always smiling and happy and full of life. Please accept my condolences on your loss.

Robyn Gotsis

May 28, 2008

I am an Administrative Assistant here at the University of Southern Nevada's College of Nursing who worked directly under Debra.

I will always remember her for her larger than life personality and tremendous love for her family. She was always so proud of her sons.

My heart and prayers are with her loved ones at this time.

Kathy Powell

May 28, 2008

Dearest family: Debra was a wonderful, kind hearted person that I will miss terribly. I delight in the fact she is at peace and with a friend in heaven (my husband Steve). She is smiling down on all of us:>

Regina McFerren

May 28, 2008

To the Houdek family, words cannot express the loss you feel at this time. Know her bright and loving spirit will always surround you in love. Especially to Chad, your mother was so proud of you as she showed off your portfolio. Her fun loving spirit will always be remembered in my heart. May God continue to comfort the family.

Rebecca Cailor

May 28, 2008

Dear Lee, Brian, Tina, Chad, & anthony, I am a nurse and colleague of your mom's and I will miss her dearly. She had a great sense of humor. My love and prayers are with you,
Becca

Dennis Chamberland

May 28, 2008

Debra’s love for life along with her boundless energy and enthusiasm will be deeply missed. During the short time we had worked together, I was truly blessed by Debra’s friendship.

Jerry Carley

May 28, 2008

She had my back.

Debra was a great clinical coordinator. More than that, she was an unforgettable person. Her personality and enthusiasm filled any room, and beyond. I will miss her, and mourn that I did not get a chance to know her better, and to work with her further.

One thing that I always knew, and that she proved more than once, was that she had my back, and that was a comforting feeling. I will remember, and pay it forward.

--Jerry Carley
Assistant Professor
University of Southern Nevada

Karla Labbe

May 28, 2008

Dear Houdek family,
Debra was a delight to work with and I had the pleasure of working with her at USN even though she was in nursing and I am in Pharmacy. I am sure that she will be missed deeply by all that loved her and that she loved in return. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I know that she is in good hands and that she will continue to watch over all those who she loves. God Bless you in your sorrow.

Mable Smith

May 28, 2008

We, at the University of Southern Nevada, will truly miss Debra. She was a kind-hearted, likeable person and has touched many people.
Rest in Peace Deb.

Georgia Tsiongas

May 27, 2008

I am really sorry to hear about Debra. She was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. My prayers go out to all of you.

Jodie Mojzik

May 27, 2008

Lee, Brian and Tina, Chad, Anthony,

I want to express my sympathy towards all of you. Your mom was a special person in my life. She will be dearly missed.

Carolyn Feenstra

May 27, 2008

I am sorry for the loss of your mom. Your family has been in my thoughts since that day. My prayers are with you.

Nick Blesich

May 27, 2008

I am very sorry to hear of the tragedy. I grew up only a block away for many years , I am so sorry to hear the news. My condolences go out to Lee, Brian, Anthony and Chad.

Linda Skidmore

May 26, 2008

Dear Lee, Brain, Anthony and Chad,
I am so sorry for your loss, and wanted you to know that our family has many great memories at the ball diamond with Deb. She truly had the capability of bringing out the best in people young and old. God bless you as you go through these coming days. Our prayers are with you.
JC and Linda Skidmore

The DeBolds

May 25, 2008

Lee, Brian,Tina, Anthony and Chad

We are so sorry to hear about Deb.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you . May God's love comfort your family during this difficult time.

Tommy, Kay, Luke, and Dawn

Jason Ankarlo

May 24, 2008

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help durning this time.
The Ankarlo family.

Rick & Debbie Stempf

May 24, 2008

Lee & Sons
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. We'll keep you and the boys in our prayers.

Betty Baker

May 24, 2008

Lee , Brian, Anthony, Chad , I am so sorry to hear about Debi, She was a wonderful friend to me personally . you all are in my prayers

Jerry Tomecko

May 24, 2008

Lee, Brian, Anthony, and Chad, on behalf of Stephen, and myself, I would like to extend our deepest of condolences to you. May you find the peace of God at this time! May he grant you comfort and peace, always, Jerry Tomecko

Scott Riccardi

May 24, 2008

Lee you and your family are in our hearts and prayers. God bless.

Tyler Berg and Family

May 23, 2008

Our deepest sympathy to you Chad and your family. Our prayers are with you.

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