In Memory of Debra Grodner
Name: Debra Grodner 
Spouse: Bruce Grodner
Children: Preston Alexander
Birth Date: November 6,1952
Blessing: July 1, 1982
Ascension Date: January 26, 2020
Debra VanderMeer was born in Muskegon, Michigan on November 6,1952. At the age of 9 with her younger brother, Gary, the family moved to La Habra, California following their pastor’s new position as the assistant to the late Robert Shueler Sr. She attended Fullerton Jr. College, as well as school for dental hygienist. She continued to pursue various careers as she intuitively searched for deeper meaning and purpose.
In November 1973, she was introduced to the Unification Church, where she had the opportunity to get to know True Father and Mother Moon personally. Within the church, she worked in sales selling varied artistic pieces, facilitated educational workshops and even pioneered Alaska opening the minds and hearts to the church.
Debby was Blessed by True Parents to her wonderful husband, Bruce Grodner, on July 1, 1982 in the Holy Marriage Blessing at Madison Square Garden. Bruce was appointed as District Pastor of the Family Federation of New York, where Debby was able to serve as First Lady. After 20 years of marriage, they were gifted with a beautiful child they named Preston Alexander.
As Director of Camp Sunrise in Harriman State Park, NY for 15 years, Debby had the privilege of hosting thousands of children and families from 2000 – 2015. Her love of nature and people made a perfect combination to permit the diverse experiences had at the camp, both exceptional and memorable.
Being challenged by health issues for several years, Debby was finally able to welcome good health under the care and support of Dr. Tony and Karen Sayegh. For the last five years, she has worked at their Thrive Health and Wellness Center in White Plains, NY, as Assistant and patient concierge, where she witnessed the remarkable recovery of so many people.
Debby, a great cook, accomplished artist, having an aptitude for music…was also a most talented and accomplished writer. After many dedicated years to this task, she completed seven volumes of her book, “Jules of Andelain.”
Debby, a person who was filled with only selfless thoughts…who loved her family and was so proud of the many accomplishments of her son…lived and loved life to its fullest.
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you, Debby, made us feel.”
Viewing: Friday, February 7, 2020 from 4:00-8:00 PM at the Edwards-Dowdle Funeral Home (64 Ashford Avenue Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522)
Seonghwa Ceremony & Wonjeon Ceremony: Saturday, February 8, 2020 from 8:00-9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery (430N Broadway Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591)
Followed by a reception from 12:30-3:30 PM at the Belvedere Training Center
Flowers can be sent to the Edwards-Dowdle Funeral Home.
Donations
The local church has set up a GoFundMe page for the Grodner family where you can donate financially to help with the various expenses in preparing for a Seonghwa Ceremony.
Danny Covone
| #
Thank you for all hard work for my family and my children you take care so much and love cook cleaners and so much joy we will missing your smile.Thank you whit love Danny Covone
Reply
R and C
| #
we are speechless with this loss but remember her big smile
and gracious attitude ! Always will be remembered!
Reply
Bob Mansur
| #
Oh my gosh, I was so shocked the other day when I heard this. I started to cry right away. I honestly have never felt this way before. I know we believe in spiritual world, but I think I just began to feel so sad because I’ll miss her so much! She was always and always smiling, and I never saw her angry or even impatient!!! 😉
I saw her from a distance on Saturday at our event, but wish I could have said hello one last time!!!!!! :)…
My love and total, deep respect to Rev. Grodner and their son. Love and honors from our family!
Am sorry that I will be returning from Korea later in the day on Saturday, February 8th, but heart-felt best wishes for a beautiful Seonghwa Ceremony…
Reply
Hannah R More
| #
My dear brother Bruce, I have been praying for your family many years now. I am so sorry now for your lonliness. God will take care of your beloved until you join her again. Heavens Blessings upon your family.
Reply
Denis Manor
| #
Thank you Debra for a life well lived! Good fortune for you on this next chapter of your life.
Reply
APOSTLE GLENDA R PHILLIPS LEE
| #
DEB IS MY FRIEND AND MY SISTER. WE ACTUALLY SHARE THE SAME BIRTHDAY. I WILL MISS EVERYTHING ABOUT HER. TO SEE HER TAKE HER REST BROKE MY HEART BUT GOD NEEDED HER. THE PEACE ON HER FACE LET ME KNOW ALL WAS WELL. MANSAI MY SISTER. EVERYWHERE I GO AND IN ALL I DO I WILL LOOK FOR YOU. WE WILL MEET AGAIN AND SHARE THE STORY OF HOW WE OVERCAME.
Reply
Nate and Mieko Windman
| #
Bruce, we are sorry for your personal loss, no longer having Debby by your side, but congratulate you both for being a shining light for our community.
Reply
Caroline H
| #
Thank you Debbie for always having a loving embrace ready for everyone. I am sending a warm embrace to you and mansei in Heaven.
Reply
Hugh & Nora Spurgin
| #
We have fond memories of Debby. We will miss Debby’s friendly, upbeat personality. May the love of our Heavenly Parent and the spirit of our True Parents be with Debby, Bruce and their family forever. We send our prayers for a beautiful ascension ceremony.
Reply
Lorman E Lykes
| #
Dear Bruce, it’s with sadness that I write this note after reading about the lost of your lovely wife Debra. I know the feelings you are experiencing having lost my dear Laura 14 years ago. This is probably a busy and complicated time for you and your family so I just want to wish you sweet memories of her and know that she is happy is God’s care. Please take care of yourself during this time and if you need anything don’t hesitate to contact me. Always your friend, Lorman
Reply
Melanie Taylor
| #
Bruce, she is such a lovely soul. I will always remember her loving spirit. Blessings to you and Preston
Reply
Marion Miller
| #
Tons of prayer and love for the glorious couple Bruce and Debbie and their beloved son Preston from Wayne and me. You are most precious to us and our memories of NYC and Camp Sunrise with you are etched in our hearts. Working again with you in ACLC is a privilege and a treat. You are so loved, and I pray this new voyage and phase will be graced with joy and peace and tons of support. We are here for you.
Reply
Gary VanderMeer
| #
Thank you everyone for supporting my sister Debby
Reply
Alexander Apostolides
| #
Debbie was a beautiful human being that her smile always resonated with everyone she met. She a very down to earth spiritual being that conquered all with her love and compassion. You will always be an example of a true person.
Until we meet again.
Reply
Mitch Dixon
| #
Dear Bruce,
Please accept my condolences on the lost of Debbie, a wonderful sister. May God bless you both and your family with more true love. Warm regards, Mitch Dixon
Reply