Debra Anne DeMarco's Obituary
Debra Anne DeMarco was born on a bitterly cold Sunday in November 1969 and passed from this world on a beautiful Sunday, March 8, 2026. She was 56.
Debra devoted her life to caring for others and advancing the treatment of infectious diseases, particularly HIV/AIDS. After graduating from Ladue High School, she attended Webster University. A service trip to Haiti during those years proved life-changing, inspiring her to pursue a career in medicine and nursing.
She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Maryville University and began her career at Washington University School of Medicine in the Department of Infectious Diseases. During the early and most difficult years of the AIDS epidemic, Debra worked closely with patients and researchers, helping to conduct clinical studies that brought new hope and treatment options to those living with HIV.
Her dedication to this work led her to become deeply involved with the AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG), where she conducted studies locally and contributed nationally as a member of several protocol teams. She also earned the ACRN (AIDS Certified Registered Nurse) credential, reflecting her expertise and commitment to the field, and served as an active staff member of the Community Advisory Board (CAB), helping ensure that patient perspectives remained central to research and care.
Never one to stop learning, Debra later pursued and obtained her Nurse Practitioner license after countless hours of study. She continued her work in infectious disease medicine at a private practice, bringing the same compassion, intelligence, and determination to every patient she encountered. Eventually, a diagnosis of her own illness made it impossible for her to continue the career she loved.
Those who knew Debra will forever recognize the moments that would have become instantly legendary if she had been there to deliver one of her perfectly timed remarks. She was also the person everyone wanted beside them in a crisis—steady, practical, and unafraid to step in when help was needed. Debra trusted dogs more than most people and had a deep love for animals of all kinds, never hesitating to put herself in harm’s way if a creature was in trouble. She cared deeply about the ecological health of the planet and lived her values every day as a devoted composter, conservationist, and thoughtful steward of the world around her.
Debra also had a special love for Valentine’s Day, which she considered the finest of holidays. Determined that the children in her family should experience the same sense of magic found in other holidays, she invented the “Valentine’s Fairy,” a holiday character she championed with the enthusiasm most reserve for Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny.
Debra is survived by her loving son, Andrew Shaw of Creve Coeur; her father, Bob DeMarco of Creve Coeur; her mother, Judy DeMarco of Glendale; her sisters, Anita Mothersbaugh (Mark) of Los Angeles and Jennifer Haxton (Mark) of Boulder, Colorado; and her brother, Jason DeMarco of Creve Coeur. She is also survived by her nieces, Hope and Margaret Mothersbaugh, and her nephew, Aidan Haxton, all of whom she loved deeply.
Debra’s legacy lives on in the many patients she cared for, the colleagues she worked beside, and the family and friends who will always remember her intelligence, compassion, humor, and unmistakable spirit.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Debra’s memory to Stray Rescue of St. Louis or the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Aquamation services provided by Hughes Funeral Alternatives in St. Louis, Missouri. Family and friends can sign an online guestbook at https://www.HughesFA.com
What’s your fondest memory of Debra?
What’s a lesson you learned from Debra?
Share a story where Debra's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Debra you’ll never forget.
How did Debra make you smile?