Debra Swenor

Deb was born on May 20, 1965, to Wayne and Shirley (Martin) Bartle and was raised in Republic, Michigan, graduating from Republic-Michigamme High School in 1983. Deb lived in Republic for over 40 years where she raised her two oldest children.

In 2000, Deb met the love of her life, Rich Swenor, and they both knew it was forever. They married in 2004 and had their last child Logan in 2005. Debbie and Logan shared a very special closeness and bond with him being their final child.

Deb is survived by her husband, Rich Swenor of Marquette; mother, Shirley Bartle of Marquette; son, Darren (Cara) Bartle of Midland; daughter, Tara (Jake) Roberts of Negaunee; daughter, Cassandra (Donnie) Christian of Jackson; son, Logan Swenor of Marquette; and her grandchildren, Lucas, Lydia, Harper, Norah, Owen, Liam, Donnie Jr., and Emilia. Deb was preceded in death by her father, Wayne Bartle.

Deb was a loving wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, and friend. Debbie wasn’t one for going on trips or vacations. She was one who would rather have all her children and grandchildren with her any chance she could. Her family was everything to her. If anyone was supposed to be a mom or grandma, it was Debbie. She had such a patient, kind, warm, loving, and nurturing way about her that would always make you feel seen and heard. Family was her entire world.

Debbie was also very lucky to have a group of friends from kindergarten all the way through adulthood who continued to be close for over 50 years. They may not have seen or spoke to each other all the time, but when they would, it was as if no time had passed and would pick up right where they left off. Sharing wild stories of growing up, heartaches, losses, and laughing until they cried. They had always been there for one another. Special thank you to Mary Jo, Nancy, Brenda, Patti, Dawn, and Carrie for being lifelong friends until the end.

Until Debbie’s diagnosis she had worked as the unit clerk in the emergency room at UPHS. Deb loved her job; however, it was her coworkers that made it that way for her. She always came home with a smile, regardless of the type of day it had been. Debbie’s family would like to extend and extra special thank you to her team in the emergency department. They took care of her from the beginning until the end. They kept her smiling, laughing, and comforted her. Deb loved and appreciated you just as much as you did her.

Honoring Deb’s wishes, she requested no formal funeral service be held. Debbie’s family plans to do a celebration of life for her sometime in the spring.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting Deb’s family where memories and condolences may be shared at fassbenderswansonhansen.com