Debra Carney

DEBRA CARNEY

Cedar Rapids

Debra (Breitbach) Carney, 58, of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loved ones on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017.

Deb was born March 21, 1958, in McGregor, Iowa, to Norbert and N. Jean Breitbach. She graduated from Mar-Mac High School in 1976. She then moved to Cedar Rapids to attend Kirkwood Community College. It was there that she started a family and dedicated the rest of her life to inspiring her daughters to become strong, independent women. Deb worked extremely hard her entire life and just recently retired from the Iowa Eye Center, a position she held for the past 17 years.

Deb was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Neil Breitbach; her brother-in-law, Robert Blum; and her grandson, Daxton Montgomery.

Deb is survived by her sister, Diane Blum (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada); her brother, Jerry Breitbach (McGregor); her three daughters, Katie Fitzpatrick, Abbie Fitzpatrick and Elizabeth Bush (all of Cedar Rapids); five grandchildren, Alexis Fleetwood, Aiden Fleetwood, Aniela Montgomery, A.J. Miller and Olivia Bush (all of Cedar Rapids), as well as her two beloved cats, Sammy and Marley, who were both at her side until the end.

Deb will be remembered for her quick wit, humor, no- nonsense personality and impressive sarcasm. She faced all challenges in her life head-on with bravery, never letting anyone challenge or define her. She set a wonderful example for her children and grandchildren and she loved them fiercely; there was nothing she would not have done for them. She has taught each of them many great life lessons that they will never forget, likely because it was delivered with a great deal of honesty and a healthy dose of humor and sarcasm.

While no one's life is ever perfect, Deb has left a legacy of strength, unconditional love, honesty, determination and the ability to find humor in any situation. Those of us who have been lucky enough to know her will never forget this legacy and will treasure it always.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life open house to remember Deb in the best way we know how. Please stop by for food, drink and entertainment on Saturday, March 11, from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Flamingo, 1211 Ellis Blvd. NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405.

The family would like to extend a tremendous amount of thanks to Dr. Ghosh, Mindy Martin, ARNP, and the entire staff (past and present) at the Ghosh Center for loving and caring for Deb just as if she were your very own family member. You all went above and beyond each and every time and allowed Deb the dignity to be in charge of her own destiny at all times. I hope you all know how much she truly loved each and every one of you and that she considered you all part of her family.

We would also like to express our thanks to Hospice of Mercy for their assistance with a peaceful transition. Your support allowed us to follow through with all final wishes and we cannot thank you enough.

Memorial donations may be made to the APG Foundation, which provides financial assistance for treatments to cancer patients in need or to the Blesie Tree, a pay-it-forward organization that provides assistance to cancer patients for non-medical wants or needs while they are receiving treatment.