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Debra Plotkin Obituary

Debra Plotkin, beloved wife, passed away on December 23, 2015, at her home in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was born in Rutland, Vermont, on March 29, 1954, the third child of Thomas and Catherine Hance.

After graduation from high school, Debra worked as a typesetter and eventually moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she met her future husband, Terry Plotkin.

Terry and Debra moved to Southern California where Debra worked as a typesetter, secretary and assistant to a General Manager. At the age of 40 she enrolled in the University of California where she received her B.A. and teaching certificate. She achieved one of her dreams when she became a teacher at a private school for 3 years shortly after being diagnosed with breast cancer and going through treatment. In 2006 she and her husband returned to Colorado Springs to retire, where Debra volunteered for the American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, the Pikes Peak Humane Society, the Pioneer's Museum, and several other non-profit organizations.

Debra was an avid reader and belonged to several book clubs. She played Mahjong weekly. She enjoyed helping animals, learning new things, helping people and animals, and she especially loved dinner parties and laughing with good friends. Because of her own experience with cancer, she was able to provide support and education for others with a similar diagnosis in a kind, caring and extremely knowledgeable way. She loved to exercise and hike, especially with her husband and their dogs, Doogan and McKenzie. Debra particularly enjoyed traveling in the United States and around the world. Prior to her passing away, Debra had visited almost every museum in the state of Colorado. She was also proud to count more daily steps on her Fitbit then her husband and friends.

In 2012 Debra's cancer metastasized. Despite her significant physical pain she continued to volunteer at several non-profit organizations and organized a support group for people whose cancer had also metastasized.

There was never a dull moment spending time with Debra - traveling, exploring, eating, volunteering, arguing, and discussing controversial issues.

She is survived by her husband, Terry Plotkin, her two brothers, Dan and Tom Hance, as well as many nephews, nieces, friends, and her beloved rescue dog Raylin.

A celebration of life is planned for family, and friends by invitation. Those wishing to attend will find information at www.swan-law.com

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Rescued Hearts Unique Boutique at 3314 Austin Bluffs Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80918 or the Old Dog House at Old Dog House, 3457 Highland Meadows Dr., Florissant, CO 80816 in the name of Debra Plotkin.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Dec. 27, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Debra Plotkin

Not sure what to say?





Margie De La Rosa

February 21, 2016

Hi Terri - Debra was a co-worker at Brown-Boveri in Downey. My deepest condolences for your loss. She took me to San Francisco on my first plane ride. I remember going to a bon voyage party for ur parents and visiting at ur Lake Arrowhead home. Such fond memories she was awesome.

January 7, 2016

I am the proud owner of a lovely, lively pink scarf made by Debra. She gave it to me, an act of her characteristic thoughtfulness, thanking me for what she had learned and enjoyed in our dance class (offered through Penrose Cancer Survivorship program.) It is I who learned from Debra, her love of those around her, lighting the way in spite of her own diminished physical health. What a beautiful soul. Jane Mapson, Colorado Springs.

Jennifer Walsh

December 31, 2015

Debra was an amazing woman who unselfishly touched all our lives. I met her when we both volunteered for the Reach to Recovery program with the American Cancer Society' and then later with Susan G Komen Race for the Cure' raising funding for breast cancer research. As an avid reader Debra was always researching cancer treatments so when she spoke to newly diagnosed breast cancer patients she could provide up-to-date info to assist them in their decisions. Her love of animals was inspiring. My thoughts are with you Terry and all her family, friends and those whose life she touched in her special way. Debra, I'll miss you very much!

Mary and Larry Ketterer

December 31, 2015

Debra was my go to gal. She taught, encouraged, entertained, cared and loved. She is my hero with her courage and strength. Thursday's will never be the same. Love and miss you,

Donna Mossey Bowman

December 30, 2015

To all of Debbie's family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. We all grew up with the Hance family in Chittenden, VT. May God bless you all. Betty (Mossey) Deatte, Shirley (Mossey) Fowler, Edward Mossey, Vernon Mossey and Donna (Bowman) Mossey.

December 29, 2015

Hello Terry i met you and Deb with Fawn a few yeas ago wanted to give you my condolences it was very nice to meet the two of you i was most impressed on how you had beds in bedroom just for your dogs and how kind you both were so sorry for your loss

December 29, 2015

Oh my Aunt Debra.You came to me more like a big sister when I was young and had no one. I really enjoyed you taking me to Chittenden Dam on your new Sunfish sailboat. The color yellow you picked was perfect. A Ray Of Sunshine you gave me.I know you felt I should use Vaseline in place of mascara but back then, I wanted color. LOL Spending the night was so much fun. You always made me feel safe. You always made everyone feel safe.Thank you for the beautiful dinner, conversation and dancing when I was there. I Love you dearly and will always keep you as an ANGEL on my shoulder. Love, your niece, Fawn

Wendy Oatis

December 28, 2015

Terry - I am so very sad to hear of Debra's passing. I just wore the beautiful scarf she made for me, and thought of you both, and wondered how she was doing. She was such a lovely person. It was a privilege to share in her care, and to know both of you.

Dorine

December 28, 2015

Debra was small in size but huge in every aspect of life. I had the privilege of meeting this beautiful child when she was only a few days old and even then it was apparent she was very special. She was family, my cousin, and over the years we managed to keep in touch with each others lives. Her love for life, her sweetness, her generosity, her courage, her determination, her love for Terry, her animal buddies, her caring for everyone she knew left us truly blessed for being a part of her life. My heart is with you Terry ... I shall miss her.

Debra at Komen Lobby Day in Washington DC

Katie Lawrence

December 28, 2015

Adrienne McConnell

December 28, 2015

Debra was a first cousin to my mom, Dorine. Debra taught my sister Megan and I how to crochet when we were kids, and would later tease us as adults that we didn't keep up crocheting. She came out to visit our family in Hawaii in the '70s and she was fearless when my dad Bruce took her snorkling in the ocean. Over the years whenever I would visit, she and Terry always made me feel welcome into their home. Her enthusiasm for life, travel and learning, her love for animals, her passion for reading, her kindness and humor, her love for her family and friends, and most of all her desire to share all her passions with us, are memories I will treasure always.

December 28, 2015

In appreciation to and of you, Debbi: thanks for your light in my life.

Gerri

December 28, 2015

Debra was our sister, sister-in-law and Aunt. She was beautiful and kind and a foundation for our family. She loved to play family games, teach the kids how to build a good "New England Snow Man" and how to be better learners. Debra had many interests and she brought energy and excitement to each and every one. We are better people because of Debra. We will miss you. Love - Danny, Jerriann, Daniel, Jennifer, Nephews and Great Nephew

Jennifer Hance

December 27, 2015

Aunt Debra will be greatly missed by all. She was the type of person that everyone loved and adored. She had more strength than any I know.
She is looking down upon us and encouraging us to keep smiling and living every day the best way we can. Love and miss you Aunt Debra.

Pat Topping

December 27, 2015

What a smart, funny, courageous, and wonderful human being! She will always be a wonder to me, she found so many ways to celebrate everyday life joyously, and effortlessly spread her enthusiasm to the rest of us. I hope heaven is full of "fur-balls" of every shape and size.

Deborah Mcintosh

December 27, 2015

Debra was one of the sweetest and kindest person I have ever met. Thou I only knew her the last few years she showed me tremendous strength and love for all. We will keep playing those date hands Debra with you in our hearts.

Terry and Ed Gass

December 27, 2015

"The hummingbird's delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning and that laughter is life's sweetest creation."

Debra....our hummingbird.

2013 Debra, always inclusive, made sure we were represented at book club, even when we couldn't be there in person.

Barbara and Harry Schiff

December 27, 2015

John and Mary Rembold

December 27, 2015

Debra was an exceptional person and a dear friend.
She brought so much joy into every life she touched.
We love her and will miss her. She will always be with all of us in spirit...
Our thoughts are with you

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