Debbie passed away three days ago – – while she slept. Innumerable messages have been sent to us. I only read 10 or so each evening, when our home seems too quiet – – and when I am thinking about Debbie. My glasses tend to “fog up”.
Debbie had been sleeping the previous five days when she passed away gently into the arms of her Creator on the 28th. I can’t understand what it is now like on the other side for her, but I put my faith in the Almighty One, that He has her cautiously, carefully and confortably in His presence.
My daughters (+ Son in Law) and I lay Debbie to rest in a traditional casket in Ferndale, WA this Friday. Debbie’s sister and husband from Canada will join us. My close friend Paul Goodner will officiate. This will be our quiet moment to reflect on this wonderful woman.
This post serves as finale to Debbie’s difficult 2 year 4 month battle with cancer. Through her suffering and tears and innocent pleas to the Most High (“why?”), she always kept her heart toward the Lord. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart” was her life verse.
I feel that in her last days she had intimate time with the Lord which is beyond what I can explain. Many times in the middle of the night (while checking on her) she would (without words) have her hands talking-ly in the air – – – – as though reaching out to and/or communicating with her Savior, whom she loves. On day #13 (before passing away) Debbie’s eyes all of a sudden one morning: bulgingly gleemed huge as she repetitively exclaimed vigorously and verbally “it is so beautiful // it is so beautiful // it is so beautiful”. After that moment, she communicated no more. No more communication after that.
On the 28th of November, His gates were opened for Debbie:
” Open for me the gates of righteousness; I will enter and give thanks to the Lord.” (Ps 118:19 NIV)
I sign off now with a quiet and thankful heart,
Patrick
(206) 660-6185
Debbie O'Connor's Journey 
That is so comforting, the words she spoke 13 days before her passing.. She is with God, safe, pain free… She is missed. And always will be. I’ve never known a more godly, more wonderful, more selfless woman than my dear dear friend Debbie, I am a better person for having known her…, Denise
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Thank you, Denise. Memorial service on 12 18 2021 (Cascade Community Church, Monroe, 1pm) /// would LOVE to see you and Garth, both of whom we really appreciate. Patrick
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Patrick, my prayer ministry has been praying with you and your family since Debbie first shared her journey with cancer. I always loved praying for you and Debbie and to hear of all the dear people you were discipling. I so wanted to come on one of your mission trips. I am truly sorry for your loss, Debbie taught us how to run the race well. You and Debbie have such a legacy. Harlene Brown
On Wed, Dec 1, 2021 at 7:50 PM Debbie O’Connor’s Journey wrote:
> Debbie O’Connor posted: ” Debbie passed away three days ago – – while she > slept. Innumerable messages have been sent to us. I only read 10 or so each > evening, when our home seems too quiet – – and when I am thinking about > Debbie. My glasses tend to “fog up”. Debbie had bee” >
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Thank you Harlene. Greetings to our friends in Newberg Oregon. Thank you so much again, Patrick
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The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
Our sister and friend Debbie will always be in our heart and mind. We have the most beautiful memories with her. Everything we did together , everything we learned from her will always be with us. Hermana Debora dejo un legado en Kenia y en mi. Ustedes marcaron nuestra vida para siempre y les amaremos en el amor del Señor por siempre. Thank you for loving us and for sharing and having us at your home every summer school vacation in Honduras. Thank you for the many mission trips we could be with you. Thank you Debbie and Patrick for everything!
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Thank you, Jenny. You guys were an important part of ministry in Honduras from when we met you in 1996 in San Pedro. Thank you so very much for loving the Lord and for loving others.
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Patrick, my friend,
You and Debbie, along with your family, have been in our prayers often. She was, quite simply, an inspiration! She planted many, many seeds that will bear fruit for eternity. And now she is worshiping Jesus face-to-face!
We continue praying for you and your family. May God comfort you with His presence and with the assurance that Debbie is with Him. And may He guide you as you walk through the process of grieving in your journey with Him.
In Christ’s love,
Dwight
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Thank you so much, Dwight. I always think this and I really do mean it that the flock in Aumsville Oregon are only exceedingly blessed to have you. Indeed, they know how blessed they are. – – – – Thank you for blessing Debbie and I and, too, thank you for your friendship. Thank you again, Patrick
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Thank you for communicating so beautifully to us about Debbie’s last days. This gives us encouragement and strengthens our faith. Our hearts ache for you and the girls. So very thankful to know she is in our Savior’s presence.
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Patrick,
Keeping you and the family in my prayers. What a long and difficult journey this has been for you. As difficult as this is, may God be your Comfort and Sustainer in the days ahead. I pray this for you and your family.
May God, friends and remembrances bring you comfort and peace as you rest in Him.
Much love and prayers,
Kathy
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Bless you my dear brother as you carry on with out your dear running mate.
I’m praying for extraordinary grace to support you in the lonely days and weeks to come.
Thomas
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Debbie was, and remains, a woman after God’s own heart. I’m glad you found her, Patrick, and had a chance to be with her as long as you were, and to raise a family together, and to share a ministry together. I could not have wished anything better for you in life.
– With love, and tears, and more love, Tom Erdos
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Dear Patrick, You and Debbie have been such good friends. I wish I was closer to be able to help. Please know that you are definitely in my prayers. Even though we had not been able to walk much in the last few years, I miss our walks, bike rides and dinners together. she was a very dear frined.
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You and your family will continue to be in my prayers! Praise GOD she is with her Savior and ours! The Lord bless you with His peace, Sue Ward (a sister in Christ Jesus)
Sent from my iPhone
>
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Thank you so much Patrick for this wonderful tribute! Your words are so touching. You really speak from your heart. It means so much to hear of her love for the Lord. What a long journey it has been for you. May Jesus minister to you in these days. Melita
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And thank you, life friend (from India!), Patrick
—-URL Link to Debbie’s Celebration of Life Memorial SERVICE (in Monroe, WA) – – – two days ago (12/18/21)
Patrick
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ji3xXVeuugaQbCErRmEzRfesJ71GwjdX/view?ts=61c0c469
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Dear Patrick,
We received your message of Debbie’s home going with sadness in our hearts but also with gladness because she didn’t have to suffer anymore.
We will remember her as a joyful person with a positive attitude.
We pray that the Lord will lay His comforting hand on you and your daughters.
With our sincere condolences
John & Edith Hodgson
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My heart shakes, yet with eyes to the “Maker of heaven and earth” (Ps 124).
Patrick
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May the Lord draw near to you all and light your path for the steps ahead. May this Christmas although you will miss Debbie so much give you more of a picture of Heaven where she is without pain anymore, but is so close to Jesus, as we only can worship from afar. She certainly showed us how to serve Him well , to the very close of this part of her life. Thank you for sharing these special messages along the way. Blessings, Keith & Judy Hook
Sent from my iPhone
>
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Thank you, Judy. Patrick
– – – – – URL Link to Debbie’s Celebration of Life Memorial SERVICE (in Monroe, WA) – – – two days ago (12/18/21)
Patrick
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ji3xXVeuugaQbCErRmEzRfesJ71GwjdX/view?ts=61c0c469
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Patrick, Thank you for this poignant ‘final entry’.
Carlitos
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Call me some time 🙂 206 660 6185.
Patrick
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