Deborah Jean “Debbie” Jesswein
Debbie, of Holt, MI, passed away on October 23, 2023. She was born on January 19, 1950, in Detroit, MI, to John and Wilma Newman. After graduating from Livonia Franklin High School, Debbie earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Michigan State University. In 1975, she married Jim Jesswein in the MSU Chapel on campus.
Debbie’s first priority was her family. She raised three children, Bronwen, Blair, and Bryce, and was active in PTA at Marble Elementary School in East Lansing for several years. As the children were growing up, she worked as a substitute teacher in several local school districts. After the children were grown, Debbie worked at MSU in a variety of positions. Since 2010, Debbie had been an administrative assistant in the Sociology Department at MSU where she worked on grant proposals with faculty members for submission to federal agencies. She was dedicated and meticulous, with a high attention to detail, and enjoyed working with faculty. Outside of work, Debbie enjoyed family gatherings, home improvement projects, and working outside in her yard.
Debbie was preceded in death by her parents and sister Linda of Livonia. She is survived by her husband, Jim, and her children, Bronwen (David), Blair (Maggie), and Bryce. Debbie is also survived by her siblings, Greg (Kathy) of Maine, Tim of Florida, Mike of Michigan, and Nancy of Michigan.
No services are planned at this time.
Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel. www.EstesLeadley.com
11 Messages to “Deborah Jean “Debbie” Jesswein”
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Karessa Weir
October 23, 2023 at 10:07 pmHello. I have been a coworker of Debbie’s for about four years. She was such a wonderful, kind woman. She always had a smile for everyone and a kind word. She was genuinely curious and told wonderful stories. I will miss her every single day. I hope my memories of her and others she touched through MSU Sociology are a comfort to her family.
Blair Jesswein
October 24, 2023 at 7:11 amYou were the best mom! I’m really going to miss you.
Jackie Leavitt
October 25, 2023 at 8:44 amI worked along side Debbie in the Department of Sociology for three years and she will be missed greatly. Debbie came in earlier than I and would yell good morning as opened my door each morning. We would often spend the early morning hours discussing yard work, our children and the St. Johns Mancinos. Debbie was a hard worker and a deep thinker. She would often lead our staff down a path of researching more as she would ask “did you hear”…. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Mimi Burpee
October 25, 2023 at 1:24 pmMy deepest condolences to Debbie’s family and all who knew her. She was indeed a very special person, intelligent, talented, funny and purposeful, and I was fortunate to have her as a dear friend for more than 30 years. I spent yesterday working in my yard, thinking of how much she would have loved the beautiful fall day, while tearfully smiling at all the good memories. I will treasure the comfort of being with her – always genuine, caring and thoughtful. I will miss her so much.
Nancy Spates
October 26, 2023 at 9:29 amDebbie was the BEST EVER next door neighbor!
30+years ago when we moved in on Collingwood next door, she welcomed me warmly.
I always enjoyed our many sidewalk chats and her wry observations.
Every time I walk by her honey locust she planted in the street lawn, I think of her and will say thanks for her.
Debbie loved all of you so so much!
We lost Jack earlier this year, so if ever any of you want a listening ear, you know where I live!
Nancy Spates
bruce deming
October 26, 2023 at 11:53 amI have enjoyed knowing Deb for over 50 years. Jim and I met in college.
Debbie, Jim and I have enjoyed many chats though the years. Not always agreeing but enjoying a good discussion
I enjoyed stopping by their home on Collingwood avenue prior to game day seeing the kids, dogs, home and yard projects
Jim and I in retirement now talk weekly
Through our chats it was clear Debbie and Jim had a close and loving marriage. It was clear that Debbie loved her kids and grand daughter. She loved her warm home and wonderful yard.
Even though she was frustrated at times with work she truly enjoyed it’s challenges and the people she worked with.
Jim will miss their daily board games, meals together, chats and Debbie’s daily to do list for Jim that he struggling with but begrudgingly got done on his timeline
Debbie was a wonderful person, friend, mother, wife , sister and coworker.
I trust we all continue to share stories about Debbie.
Jim and I will continue our weekly chats and Debbie will be included
Love,
Sincerely,
Bruce Deming
Bronwen Jesswein
October 27, 2023 at 3:51 pmMom was creative, resourceful, intelligent, playful, patient, a lover of language – untouchable in Scrabble – appreciative of a well-told tale – which I suspect has to do with her Irish ancestry, hardworking, observant, and a good teacher. She could be a great deal of fun – she went all out for birthdays and Halloween – and had a rather delightfully wicked sense of humor. Constant Comment was her tea of choice, which was brought out to warm the soul, comfort the heart, and connect with loved ones. She will be missed more than I can hope to convey.
Nancy Ruddy
October 29, 2023 at 9:57 amI am so sorry to hear about your wife and mother. I always looked forward to her visit at the dental office. She was proud of each of you. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Sandy Winchell Bolenbaugh
October 29, 2023 at 11:14 pmJim, I am so sorry to hear of Debbie’s passing. I wish you peace and I hope your many sweet memories comfort and surround you in the days ahead. Whenever we gathered, Debbie was always filled with happiness and such interesting stories. God’s blessings and deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Diane & George Otto
November 1, 2023 at 3:06 pmGeorge and I are so deeply saddened by Debbie’s passing. She has been a dear friend since high school. We shared many heartaches, joys, laughs, sorrows and tears over all these years. Debbie was always kind and ready to lend an ear or give a hug in an understanding, loving way. Sometimes no words were necessary; we just knew what the other needed.
Debbie and Jim were always warm and welcoming when we visited. Many afternoons were spent over meals and hours of interesting conversations, stories and laughter. We will miss our dear friend and our times together. We will cherish those precious memories always and are grateful for our special long-time friendship.
Jim and family, you are in our thoughts, hearts and prayers.
Norman Snyder
November 17, 2023 at 10:47 amJim, I am truly saddened to hear of Debbie’s passing. Truly wish you comfort and peace. My deepest sympathies Jim. God bless Jim, my prayers are with your family and you.