Deborah Sue Blakeley

Born: June 5, 1952, in Pekin, IL.

Died March 6, 2022, in DeKalb, IL

Debbie Blakeley, died on March 6, 2022, in her home in DeKalb, IL, surrounded by friends. She was born on June 5, 1952, to Orval and Molly Lorene (Miller) Blakeley. She grew up in Pekin, IL and received her Masters of Science in Counselor Education from Illinois State University in 1979.  She worked at NIU as a residence hall director, a conference coordinator, a cooperative education coordinator and retired in 2008 as the director of conferences for the Conference and Institutes Office.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Eva Diane Stahl.  She is survived by her nieces Danielle Gardner (Jeffrey) and Bria Valentine.  She eventually settled in DeKalb, IL where she raised her beloved dogs: Garbo, Babe, Rocky, Bonzai, and Hubble.  She adored her neighbors, especially Yesica Gonzalez, Manny Mondragon and Don, Midge, and Bella White.  In addition to her dogs, Debbie loved gardening, travel, hosting dinners and music.  She was a creative soul whose vision, intelligence and heart will be greatly missed by those who loved her.

Memorials may be made to Tails Humane Society of DeKalb, IL. tailshumanesociety.org

Friends will meet Monday, March 14 ^, 2022, graveside at 1:00pm at Fairview Park Cemetery in DeKalb to share memories as she is interred.  A celebration of Deb's life will be held at a later date, yet to be determined.  Arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 815-758-3841.