DUBLIN — Debra (Bennett) Bass Hoyer, 51, of Dublin passed away Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009, at home surrounded by her loving family after a brief, but courageous battle with cancer.
Deb was born Sept. 1, 1957, in Geneva, N.Y., and is the daughter of Clare and Blanche Crawford. She graduated from Midlakes Senior High School in 1975 and was proud to have been awarded a Regents Scholarship from the state of New York. Deb was a natural in her career in customer service as her vivacious personality, infectious sense of humor and giving heart won praise from the many customers she served.
Deb’s greatest fulfillment in life was in giving to others. This was most evident in her selfless love in her special bond with her autistic son, George. Deb became a full-time stay-at-home Mom and lived every moment with unwavering joy in all that George accomplished. George is the light of her life and she will continue watching over him from heaven above.
Deb had incredible talent in creating beautiful ornaments for family, friends and George’s teachers and caregivers. She was an extraordinary chef and could cook first-class cuisine and homemade candies and treats for family and George’s classmates.
Deb is survived by her son, George; former husband, Wallace Hoyer; her father, Clare Crawford; sisters and brothers-in-law, Beri (Greg) Tiffany-Smith, Marie Bennett, Kimberly (Larry) Tice-Colopy, Laurie (Leigh) Watson and Nicole (Troy) Brammer; brothers and sisters-in-law, David (Candy) Crawford and Lance (Trish) Crawford; and many precious nieces and nephews. The family would like to give special thanks to George’s caregivers, Charles Martin and Margo Whitby, who provided George with loving care equaled only by the family. Charles and Margo gave Deb wonderful peace of mind during her illness to know that George was in such good hands.
Deb was preceded in death by her mother, Blanche; and the family is comforted to know they will be enjoying a cup of coffee together.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, Aug. 16, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Snyder Funeral Homes, Craven Chapel, 67 N. Main St., Mount Gilead, where a brief memorial service will follow at 4 p.m. Friends are invited to join a celebration of Deb’s life immediately following the service at the family home, 248 Iberia St., Mount Gilead.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions to a fund for George’s continued care and recreation activities be made to First-Knox National Bank in the name of Deb’s son, George Hoyer. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.