Debra J. Montgerard

Debra “Debi” Jean Montgerard, 71, of Urbana passed away peacefully at her home with her family by her side. She was born in Chicago on October 10, 1953, the daughter of Richard and Alice {Duerr} Thurston Sr. On July 31, 1978, Debi married the love of her life, John “Larry” Montgerard, he survives.

Debi is also survived by her beloved daughter, Leisha K {Montgerard} Beasley, cherished granddaughters, Madeline and Samantha Beasley, sister, Nancy Hoffmann, brothers, Richard (Maria) Thurston Jr., John Thurston, and William “Bill” Thurston and her precious dog, Meadow.

She is preceded in death by her parents.

Debi was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who truly enjoyed spending time with her family. In her spare time, she enjoyed spending time in her garden or deck and listening to Reggae music.

Debi attended Southern Illinois University and worked for several decades as an Outreach Counselor at Prairie Elementary School in Urbana, where she transformed many lives. She also worked alongside her husband for many summers at Lincolnshire Fields Country Club, where she expressed her creativity through designing beautiful flower gardens for all to admire. Following her retirement, Debi cherished the newfound freedom to fully dedicate her time to her beloved family, simply enjoying moments of togetherness and the simple pleasures life offered.

Her kind spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting her.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 2pm to 4pm, Thursday December 12, 2024, at Sunset’s Mahomet Chapel 1102 Churchill Rd. Mahomet, IL 61853.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Debi’s name to the Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus PO Box 435 Barrington, IL 60011.