Debra Sue Anderson Peddycoart

Debra Sue Anderson Peddycoart

Cedar Rapids

Debra Sue Anderson Peddycoart, 72, who spent her life in service to others, passed away on October 31, 2025 in hospice at St. Luke’s Hospital, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She was born on December 28, 1952, in Detroit, Mich., the fifth of five daughters of John Gunnar and Catherine Markovich Anderson.

When she was 3 years old, the family moved to Cedar Rapids when her father was transferred to the Square D plant there. At the time, she called it “See the rabbits.”

Deb graduated from Washington High School in 1970, and attended Luther College, and the University of Iowa before graduating from Mount Mercy College with a BA in psychology.

Deb worked for Foundation 2 in Cedar Rapids for more than 38 years, first as a counseling supervisor, moving on to Crisis Service Director, and Quality Director. She also was a certification examiner for crisis programs for the American Association of Suicidology for more than 18 years.

Nearly 20 years ago, Deb was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, devastating news for her and her husband David. At that same time, they found a kitten abandoned on the road in front of their house. They rescued her and named her Grace, pouring much love into her, which helped them focus on the future. Deb underwent extensive monthly treatments for years but eventually enjoyed several years of remission before the disease reformed itself as lymphoma.

Deb was predeceased by her parents and her sister Carol Tuttle of Falls Church, Va.

Deb is survived by her husband of nearly 40 years, David, whom she met while they were both volunteering on the Foundation 2 crisis line. She is also survived by her sisters, Nancy Richardson (Elmer) of Arlington Heights, Ill.; Joan Anderson of Maurertown, Va.; Mary Elizabeth Tanner (Donald) of Nelson, British Columbia, and many nieces and nephews.

Deb was a voracious reader and enjoyed live musical performances by artists of yesteryear. She was passionate about many causes that called for respect for all. In her own words from Braids: “I want - Peace and nonviolence. Whimsical humor. Classical, folk, blues, protest music. Reading and love. Singing. LGBTQ acceptance and freedom.”

And, she was passionate about cats, enjoyed being one of five loving sisters, and grateful for the tireless support from her devoted husband David.

Services will be held on Saturday, November 15 at 10 am at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories, 4200 First Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids, with reception to follow. A private burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome in Debra’s name to three causes she supported: Cedar Valley Humane Society, 7411 Mt Vernon Rd, SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403, cvhumane.org/donate; suicidology, donations@suicidology.org; or iowademocrats.org/.