Debra M. Brice

On June 26, 2026, Debbie's earthly battle came to an end. While Alzheimer's may have stolen much from her, it never took away the love her family had for her. She is now free from the disease that held her captive and forever at peace.

What should have been the years that Norbert and Debbie finally got to enjoy together after decades of hard work, retirement became years filled with doctor's appointments, medications, sleepless nights, uncertainty, and caregiving. Through it all, Norbert never wavered. He cared for Debbie with unwavering love, patience, and dignity, living out the true meaning of the vows, "for better or worse, in sickness and in health, till death do us part." It was a love story defined not by grand gestures, but by countless quiet acts of devotion every single day.

Debbie was born on February 24, 1957, to Marilyn and James McCabe. Her story began in a family that believed in hard work and determination, They built their family home, the red house along Highway 41, brick by brick. Those values of resilience, perseverance, and dedication would shape the woman she would become.

She met the love of her life, Norbert, and they were married on August 29,1975, beginning a partnership that would span more than fifty years. As an Army wife for over two decades, Debbie embraced a life that few truly understand. She navigated solo cross-country and international flights with two young children in tow while Norbert served, packed and unpacked countless moving boxes, made homes in unfamiliar places, and built lifelong friendships wherever the Army sent them. She did it all with remarkable grace, rarely complaining and always wearing the title of Army wife with pride.

Debbie and Norbert made the most of every opportunity to experience the world together. Their adventures took them kayaking alongside gentle manatees, swimming with dolphins, and even riding the famous gold elevator to Hitler's Eagle's Nest. Closer to home, they created countless memories in the campers they owned over the years and on road trips that often led to new discoveries and lifelong stories. Debbie was always ready for the next adventure, embracing life to its fullness. That adventurous spirit lives on today in her children and grandchildren, who continue to explore the world with the same joy and fearlessness she inspired.

Life wasn't always easy, but Debbie never let life's challenges define her. Her smile could light up a room, and her optimism had a way of reassuring everyone around her that everything would somehow work out. Alongside her role as an Army wife and mother, Debbie dedicated twenty years to civil service. After Norbert retired from the military, she launched a successful career in sales, where her warmth, honesty, and ability to connect with people made her exceptionally successful. She never met a stranger, only friends she hadn't yet made.

Together, Debbie and Norbert raised two children, affectionately known as Mandy and Andy. Debbie was endlessly proud of both of them and the lives they built.

Mandy and her husband, Chad, blessed Debbie and Norbert with two grandchildren, Attacus (Bear) and Andalyn. Andy and his wife, Andrea, added three more: Sam, Audrey (Ash), and Tigerlily. Becoming "Grandma" was one of Debbie's greatest joys.

Education meant everything to Debbie. She often reminded her children and grandchildren, "If you can read, you can do anything." It wasn't just a saying, it was a philosophy she lived by. She believed knowledge opened every door and encouraged each grandchild to dream big and work hard. Today, some of her grandchildren have either graduated from or are currently attending college, a legacy she would celebrate with immense pride.

Debbie was truly a force to be reckoned with, and pieces of her live on in every member of her family.

Her compassion, empathy, and willingness to help others live on through her daughter and son, who have dedicated their careers to serving others through nonprofit work and law enforcement. Like their parents before them, they each found partners who complement and strengthen them in Chad and Andrea.

Attacus inherited Debbie's gift for connecting with people. It seems only fitting that on the very day Debbie left this earth, he celebrated his first sale as he begins his own career in sales as though she left behind one final reminder that her spirit continues through him.

Andalyn reflects Debbie's gentle heart, her love of learning, and her unwavering kindness.

Audrey carries Debbie's adventurous spirit, resilience, and fearless determination to experience life to the fullest.

Sam inherited Debbie's beautiful voice and musical talent, reminding us that some gifts transcend generations.

Tigerlily carries Debbie's creativity and artistic spirit, seeing beauty in the world through the same imaginative eyes.

Each of her grandchildren carries a piece of who she was, ensuring that her legacy will continue for generations to come.

Alzheimer's may have changed the final chapter of Debbie's life, but it will never define the story of who she was. She was a devoted wife, a proud Army spouse, a loving mother, an adoring grandmother, a loyal friend, and a woman whose kindness left an imprint on everyone fortunate enough to know her. She taught us that strength isn't always loud, that love is shown through actions, and that family is life's greatest blessing.

Mom, you did good. You did good.

A celebration of Debra's life will be held at Newcomer-Green Bay Chapel (340 S. Monroe Ave., Green Bay, WI), Thursday, July 2, 2026 from 4 to 5 PM. A sharing of memories and music will follow at 5 PM. Debra's favorite color was purple, so please wear purple in her honor.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks to donate to Team Brice for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s where they will walk in her honor on September 26, 2026 or GRIT 920.