Dr. Glenna Jo “Jinx” DeBrota, a devoted psychologist, educator, and career consultant, passed away on January 14, 2026. Born in 1931 in Greensburg, Indiana, she was the daughter of Robert and Georgia Rucker.  She lived in College Park Estates in Indianapolis for over 50 years.

Dr. DeBrota devoted her life to the education and guidance of gifted students and to helping people find meaningful work. She earned her bachelor’s and Ed.D. from Indiana University. A longtime professor at Butler University and a practicing psychologist, she combined rigorous scholarship with a practical, compassionate approach to career counseling. Her work emphasized not only vocational success but personal satisfaction and a sense of purpose in one’s occupation.

In the early 1970s she formed a professional partnership with colleague Jack L. Fadely, which ultimately became known as Fadely & DeBrota Associates. Through that practice she provided career advice to individuals seeking direction about what to study and how to shape their professional lives. Her clients came for more than a job; they sought fulfillment, and she helped them find it.

Beyond individual counseling, Dr. DeBrota was a consultant for local businesses and government agencies. She advised executives, designed assessment batteries, informed hiring and promotion decisions, and worked to improve teamwork and organizational effectiveness.

Her passions were her family, her clients, lifelong learning, and science. She was especially intrigued by rocks and minerals, cosmology, and quantum mechanics. Even after the loss of her longtime partner and friend and despite health challenges, Dr. DeBrota continued to practice into her nineties, remaining active in her profession until 2025. Her professional life and work is shared on her career consulting website debrotacareerconsulting.weebl….

She is survived by her brother, Frederick Rucker of Houston, Texas, sons David DeBrota (Erin) of Zionsville, Indiana and Steven DeBrota (Amy) of Indianapolis, Indiana, and six grandchildren. A memorial ceremony will be private. In keeping with Dr. DeBrota’s love of animals, those who wish to make a memorial contribution in her memory are encouraged to donate to Indy Dog Advocates (indydog.org)

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