Debbie Noel: 1957-2022

Dear readers,

It is with a heavy heart that I report the passing of my friend and colleague, Debbie Noel, on November 7, 2022.

debbie-outside I first met Debbie when I was looking for a writer who could carry the stories of Longmont and our Senior Center out into the world with grace and delight. We met for tea in her tiny house (she was a neighbor, it turned out!) to brainstorm ideas and in September of 2018 she published her first piece with us, introducing herself to our community as our featured blogger.

Earlier this year as we chatted about the blog, she let me know that she was ready to retire her pen at the end of 2022 and focus on other areas of her retirement like her art, her singing, and her grandkids. She gave so much to this blog and to the stories she told; it has been a part-time volunteer job for her these last four years. We made an exit plan and she continued to write the stories intended to be published through the end of the year. And then, her health declined rapidly.

As I sat with her in hospice these last few weeks, she made it clear to me that she wanted to tell her final three stories. I promised her I would. As was her wish, I will be publishing them posthumously in the coming months. Please join me in honoring her memory, and in keeping her joy, faith, and generosity alive.

Debbie’s obituary is reprinted below.

Thank you for taking this journey with Debbie, and may peace be at your side,

Erica Illingworth

Drop In With Debbie publisher

Debra Lee Noel, 1957-2022

Debra (Debbie) Lee Noel, 65, formerly from York, Pennsylvania and now of Longmont, Colorado, passed away on November 7, 2022 from complications of 30+ year paralysis. A memorial service will be held at 2pm on December 1, 2022 at Longmont Senior Center. A streaming service will be available for those who are out of town.

Debbie was born in Pennsylvania to Donald E. Sentz and Rose C. Peters on October 7, 1957. She graduated from Red Lion High School and received a B.A. in English from York College of Pennsylvania. She was married and divorced to Richard D. Noel II. In their union, they had two children, Ryan D. Noel and Stephanie L. Chrisley.

debbie-and-stephanie

Image description: Debbie’s daughter, Stephanie, in a red sweater with her arm around Debbie. Both are smiling and looking at the camera.

Debbie had a long career in community work that included running an agency that served people with disabilities, working in the Pennsylvania government as a project manager, as well as a stint as a reporter/editor of a York, Pennsylvania newspaper. She was also known for her public speaking to churches, schools and a variety of organizations. Paralyzed in 1991 from an accidental gunshot, Debbie was strong in spirit and encouraged others in that vein.

After retirement, she continued her work to improve her community by being a volunteer creative writing teacher at CrossRoads school and the Longmont Senior Center. As well, she was the author of Drop In With Debbie, a popular blog hosted on Longmont city’s website. In addition, she was a valiant volunteer and advocate for Via, a transportation service that served people with disabilities. Finally, Debbie was an artist and card designer. Her cards were sent around the world to encourage those who were going through personal struggles. Similarly, her family and friends were the recipients of Debbie’s creations.

Debbie is survived by her son, Ryan D. Noel from Pennsylvania, her daughter, Stephanie L. Chrisley and son-in-law, Robert W. Chrisley, her granddaughter, Serafina Rose Chrisley and grandson, Carson Wade Chrisley, all from Longmont, Colorado.

debbie-and-serafina debbie-and-carson

Image descriptions: On the left, Debbie in a white sweater and dark scarf and glasses holding granddaughter, Serafina, in her lap. Both are smiling and looking at the camera. On the right, Debbie in the same white sweater, scarf, and glasses holding her grandson, Carson, in her lap. Carson is making a silly face and Debbie is laughing at the camera behind him.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to:

Via Mobility Services (2855 N. 63rd Street, Boulder, CO 80301)
Crossroad School, 833 15th Ave, Longmont, CO 80501
Longmont Senior Center (910 Longs Peak Ave, Longmont, CO 80501)

The family of Debbie wishes to extend our sincere thanks to friends and family who sat with her and cared for her day and night as she neared her passing, and to the kind and caring professionals at UCHealth Long’s Peak Hospital, Northern CO Long-Term Acute Hospital and TRU Hospice and TRUPACE who helped to carry out her wishes and give her peace and comfort in her last days.