Eckers, Debra Lee

Debra Lee Eckers of Fairport, NY passed away peacefully in her home Saturday, April 13, 2024, at the age of 73 after a long illness.  Predeceased by her father, Warren Herendeen and husband, Roger Eckers.  Debra is survived by her mother, Grace Smith, her sons Brent (Melissa) Griffin and Brandon Griffin; her stepdaughters Lori (James) Hahn, Darcy (Rick Williams) Eckers, and Christine Moore; grandchildren, Katherine, Claire, Dan (Alexis), Amy (Matthew), Audra, and Ben; and several cousins and great-grandchildren.

Debra, or Debbie as she was known by most, was born in Lackawana, NY in 1951 to Warren and Grace Herendeen.  Growing up on Lake Erie (and later Canandaigua Lake) instilled in her a love of the outdoors and outdoors sports, especially water and alpine skiing.  As an only child, Debbie was embraced her extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins.  She often recalled fondly the time she spent growing up on the lake, and at her grandparents’ diner, the Circle K, where she and her cousins were known to pilfer a Charlie Chip or two as the older family members worked the kitchen and served the customers.

Debbie graduated from Canandaigua Academy and went on to Green Mountain College where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. By age 22, she had her first son, Brent, and Brandon was born three years later.  In 1989, Debbie married Roger Eckers, and over their 33 years of marriage, they shared a love of traveling annually to St. Lucia, fishing in Chaumont Bay, their cottage, and spending time with family, friends, and their labs. Debbie was also passionate about her profession, having served as a small-business loan officer for many years before her retirement.  She often said the best part of her job was helping people realize their dreams of owning a small business.  Debbie was an avid reader of a range of genres, and she was also incredibly creative and artistic, having a deep love for water and oil painting, crafting, photography, and music. 

Debbie was known for her wit and sense of humor, her tenacity and perseverance in the face of adversity, and her generosity. However, Debbie will be most remembered by her love for her family, especially her grandchildren, whom she loved “a bushel and a peck, and a hug around the neck.”  

Debbie’s last days were spent at home with her sons and Adrian, an aide who, over the past several months, had become a dear friend.  A small family gathering is planned in her honor for later in May 2024.