Debra Ray Violante's Obituary
Debra (Debi) Ray Violante, 73, of Rehoboth Beach, DE went home to be with the Lord on January 15, 2025, peacefully from her home surrounded by family. She was born on August 21, 1951, in Washington, DC, daughter of the late Raymond A. Blanken and Dolores Mason Blanken.
Debi was raised in Silver Spring, Maryland and attended Montgomery Blair High School and Montgomery College to become a teacher’s aide at Gaithersburg Presbyterian preschool. She raised two children whom she adored. She lived in Montgomery County, Maryland before retiring.
Her previous career was an Executive Assistant for The National Association for Home Care and Hospice. She later worked for the Outdoor Advertising Association of America as assistant to the CEO. After retiring, Debra went back to helping at the Preschool in Gaithersburg, Maryland, as well as volunteering at the VA Hospital in Washington, DC, visiting patients.
Debi was a gifted gardener who drew everyone’s eye to admire her beautiful displays. She loved filling her bird feeders and watching all the birds. She especially loved to cook and entertain her family and friends with her husband in their home on holidays and special occasions.
She was a health advocate who loved running, taught aerobics, and exercising, but what she enjoyed most was sitting on the beach in Rehoboth Beach with a good book, watching her grandchildren play and being with her family. She later retired with her husband to be permanent residents of Rehoboth Beach, DE.
Debra is survived by her loving husband of almost 18 years, Joseph A. Violante; five children/stepchildren, Lauren Machis, Michael Machis, Joseph A. Violante, II (Kynda), Christy Violante, and Gina Violante; eight grandchildren, Thomas and John Reed, Nate Machis, Larsyn and Xander Violante, and Ethan, Chase and Ava Emmerich; and a sister, Susan Mills (Jim). She also leaves behind an aunt, uncle, niece, great nephew, many cousins and close friends, all of whom Debi loved and cherished. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Daniel J. Blanken.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org
Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.
What’s your fondest memory of Debra?
What’s a lesson you learned from Debra?
Share a story where Debra's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Debra you’ll never forget.
How did Debra make you smile?