Debra Jean Wimpey passed away on November 26, 2021, after a brave 2 ½ year battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 58.  She fought so she could see her 2 nieces graduate from college and to continue to be there for her 2 dogs with unique needs.  We are all in awe of how she was able to survive years of difficult chemo treatments to accomplish these goals largely on her own, never asking for help.  Debi lived her life as a strong, independent woman who lived, and died, on her own terms.

Debi was born in Miami, Florida, on July 7, 1963, and was the daughter of the late Garrett Jean Wimpey and the late Leah Marie (Huser) Kalb, and step-daughter of the late Ken Kalb. She grew up in Iowa City, Iowa, where she attended West High School and the University of Iowa, earning both undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering.  Clearly a smart cookie, with a U.S. patent to her name. She lived coast to coast and places in between, with a final landing spot in Hollis, NH.  Debi thoroughly enjoyed her long career at Cadence Design Systems, where she found interesting and challenging work and wonderful people.

So how will Debi be remembered? For the things she loved most – her nieces, Leah and Reese Vogel, and her dogs, Bernie and Jake.  "Aunt Debi" cherished her nieces.  She was incredibly proud of them and loved cheering for them on the athletic fields throughout their high school and collegiate careers. Holidays with Leah and Reese were her favorite times of the year, especially sharing our family traditions with them – cooking favorite recipes, playing cards, doing puzzles, creatively wrapping gifts (a skill passed down from her mom), going to the movies, getting their nails done, and watching the girls open gifts Christmas morning with a chocolate croissant in hand.

Debi's own children were her dogs, Bernie and Jake, both shelter dogs that she adopted even though she knew they would need extra love and care.  When buying her home in Hollis, a big yard for "the boys" was priority one. Her big heart for animals extended far and wide, supporting many animal rescue organizations over the years.

Debi thoroughly enjoyed a good mystery, always in hardback.  Her home is filled top to bottom with books.  She even created a special reading room where she could curl up with a good book alongside Bernie and Jake.

Of course, all of the above took a back seat when her beloved Iowa Hawkeyes were playing on TV.

We will miss you Aunt Debi.

Debra is survived by her sister, Jennifer Vogel and her husband John of Houston, Texas, nieces Leah Vogel and Reese Vogel, step-brother Jerry Kalb of MO, Nance Driscoll, wife of Ken Kalb, of VT and many wonderful extended family members from both the Huser and Vogel clans.

Remembrances in Debi's name may be made to one of her favorite dog rescue organizations, Alamo Rescue Friends (www.alamorescuefriends.org), or the animal welfare organization of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Rochette Funeral Home with private services to follow at a later date.

For additional condolences please visit https://www.forevermissed.com/debrawimpey/about