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Debra Lynn Frey, age 63, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2018, at Heartland Health Care Center of Battle Creek, after enduring a long illness.
Debra was born June 8, 1955, at Community Hospital of Battle Creek, to Donald Wayne and Betty Eleanor Stocken. Debra was a lifelong resident of Battle Creek, and began schooling at La Mora Park Elementary, where she was the editor of the newspaper, student council president and winner of the American Legion Citizenship Award. During her tenure at Northwestern Junior High School, she was the Northern Star assistant editor, yearbook editor, and began playing the flute in the band. While attending Battle Creek Central High School, she was a member in band, Follies, A Cappella Choir, Quill and Scroll and was also the yearbook editor. In 1972, she was the Worthy Advisor for the International Order of the Rainbow Girls, Chapter of Battle Creek. She graduated in 1973 and her fondest memory was the choir trip to Romania that year.
Debra was a graduate from Kellogg Community College, obtaining her Registered Nursing License, and then attended Western Michigan University, graduating with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing degree in 1977.
Debra’s first job was in the fabric department at L.W. Robinson’s Department Store. During college, she worked in the proof department at Security National Bank. After receiving her nursing degree and license, she began her career on 6C at Leila Hospital. After transitioning to Battle Creek Health System, she worked in Outpatient Surgery, Recovery and Pre-Admission Screening. While raising her adopted son, Blayne T. Frey, of Battle Creek, she worked secondary jobs as a visiting nurse throughout Southwest Michigan, and also took blood pressures for the mall walkers at Lakeview Square Mall. Her most recent employment was with the Fountain Clinic in Marshall, MI. She thoroughly loved her career as a registered nurse, and maintained her license for 41 years.
She was baptized at Saint Philip Catholic Church, on April 16th, 1992. From then on, she attended the church for many years and was very close with Father William Fitzgerald.
Debra had many extracurricular activities that she was involved with. She was well known to her friends and family as “Giggles” the clown. She entertained with her close friend, Vicki Alkema, at Binder Park Zoo and private parties. She loved arts and crafts, sewing, baking, cooking, catering, planning events and celebrations, and travelling with her son and family. She loved her yearly “cookie day” during the Christmas season, baking homemade cookies for her friends and family, and was well known for her appetizers and homemade garlic toast. Most of her summers were spent at the family cottage at Loon Lake, in Irons, Michigan. She was also a member with the Post Band as well as an officer with the Battle Creek Central High School Alumni Band, playing her flute regularly in the 1990’s.
Debra is survived by her mother, Betty; brother, Donald (Sarah) Stocken; sister, Susan (George) Forrester; son, Blayne (Adrian) Frey; granddaughters, Dakota Frey and Emilee and Madilyne Klacking. She is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, as well as hundreds of longtime friends that loved her dearly.
Debra will be cremated and a private family graveside service will be held at Battle Creek Memorial Park. A large celebration of life is being planned and details will follow. Arrangements by Bachman Hebble Funeral Service of Battle Creek, MI. Memorial contributions may be directed to – the Fountain Clinic, 111 North Jefferson Street, Suite 1, Marshall, MI 49068.