Terry Rath
When I moved to St. Louis in the early 1990s, I didn’t know a single person. I rented a townhouse and soon had the good fortune of meeting my new neighbor, Debra DeMarco. That chance meeting turned into a friendship I will always cherish.
Debra had a personality you couldn’t miss. She was friendly, opinionated, stubborn, outspoken, and incredibly bright on so many topics. Conversations with her were never dull — she had something thoughtful (and often hilarious) to say about almost everything.
What I will remember most was her infectious laugh and her optimistic outlook on life. She had a way of lifting the mood of a room and making people feel comfortable and welcome. Debra was truly one of a kind.
Although I moved away from St. Louis about ten years later, our friendship didn’t end there. We stayed in touch for the next 25 years — a testament to how special she was and how meaningful our friendship remained over time.
Debra was unique, genuine, and unforgettable. I am grateful our paths crossed all those years ago, and I will miss her very much.
