With great sorrow, we announce the passing of Debra Nessel Baer on February 24, 2024, in Tallahassee, FL, after a brief battle with brain cancer. Debra, fondly known as Debbie, was born on June 11, 1954, in Camden, New Jersey, and lived a life full of laughter, love, and an enduring faith.

Debra was a woman of many talents - she was an avid crafter, sewer and floral arranger - and had an extraordinary personality. She was witty, humorous, loving, creative, generous and had a larger than life love of Disney and the Disney Parks that she shared deeply with her family. The life lessons she bestowed upon those who had the privilege of knowing her were invaluable. She emphasized the need to be resilient and encouraged everyone to bounce back and keep moving forward, regardless of the challenges life may present. She believed that together, anything could be tackled and handled.  

She was a dedicated professional, proudly serving for 15 years at The Florida State University Foundation in the Data Management Department. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Debra built a beautiful 'family' not tied by blood but by love - a feat she was extremely proud of. Debra's legacy will always remain intertwined with laughter, a strong faith in God, and an unyielding love for her family and friends. 

Debra leaves behind her daughters, Cristal Baer (John), Melissa Voyard (Joey), and grandchildren, Stella Baer and Laura Voyard, and is also survived by her former spouse, Charles Baer, Jr (Holly). She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Nessel and Elizabeth Rogowski Nessel. She will be greatly missed by her many nieces, nephews, cousins, former in-laws, friends and co-workers. 

The family would like to extend a great deal of gratitude to the doctors, ARNPs, nurses and other members of the care team that provided amazing care and support for Debra in her final days at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, PruittHealth Southwood and Covenant Care Hospice. 

A Memorial Mass for Debra will be held on March 22, 2024, at 3:00 PM at Good Shepherd Catholic Church. If one chooses not to send flowers, funds are being raised for Covenant Hospice Foundation. To contribute to this noble cause, you can navigate to the following website: https://everloved.com/life-of….

We mourn the loss of a truly remarkable woman who brought joy and love to everyone she touched. Debra, you will be dearly missed, but your legacy will continue to live on through the lives you've touched and the love you've shared.

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