Person Page - 362

     Phoebe Lacy was born circa 1718 at Virginia.¹ She was the daughter of Thomas Lacy II and Ann Burnley. She married Thomas Godsey circa 1744 at Virginia.²

     Stephen Lacy was born after 1708 at Virginia.¹ He was the son of Thomas Lacy II and Ann Burnley.¹

     Thomas Lacy was born circa 1650. He married Phebe Rhuys before 1683 at Virginia.

     Thomas Lacy was born after 1706 at Virginia. He was the son of Thomas Lacy II and Ann Burnley.¹

     Thomas Lacy II was born circa 1684 at New Kent County, Virginia. He was the son of Thomas Lacy and Phebe Rhuys.¹ He married Ann Burnley circa 1705 at New Kent County, Virginia.

     William Lacy was born after 1710 at Virginia. He was the son of Thomas Lacy II and Ann Burnley.¹

     Brenda Lee LaGarde married Dale Allyn Haarsaker, son of Karl O. Haarsaker and Irene Jane Jones, on 5 December 1987 at Snohomish County, Washington.¹

     Marie Catherine Laier was born on 3 November 1815.¹ She died on 25 September 1903 at age 87.¹

     Bonnie Laine is the daughter of Ester Clyde Laine Jr. and Juanita Dean Hessey.¹ She married Jerome Dorsey Prince, son of James D. Prince and Marvolene Willingham, circa 1964 at USA.^1,2

     Deborah Clyde Laine also went by the name of Debbie.³ She was born on 15 May 1954 at Wayne County, Michigan.² She was the daughter of Ester Clyde Laine Jr. and Juanita Dean Hessey.¹ She married John Stephen Stopera circa 1974 at Michigan. She died on 26 April 2024 at Bellevue, Eaton County, Michigan, at age 69.³

Deborah C. Stopera
May 15, 1954 - April 26, 2024

We are honoring our beautiful, funny, and loving Deborah Clyde Stopera. Known to all as Debbie, she was the last of three girls, thus earning her the unique middle name “Clyde,” bestowed from her father. As a child, Debbie radiated sunshine, her golden baby curls mirroring her radiant spirit. She grew up favoring Janis Joplin, writing poetry, and making unforgettable memories, even if it meant skipping the occasional class or two. She fell in love with her first sweetheart, John, and raised her two children, Jon and Bree Anne, with devotion. The family settled in Canton, Michigan in 1985, and Debbie enjoyed a life of gardening, attending class field trips, baking apple cakes, and doting on her family. She provided solace and comfort to her family while asking for little in return.

Debbie would reinvent her life in her forties, when she became a successful real estate agent and embarked on a single gal life. Always showing grace and tenacity, she went on to connect with hundreds of clients, whom she treated with authentic affection, regularly calling them “precious,” and “sweetheart.” She excelled in real estate, achieving honors such as top producer, which allowed her to drive a new Cadillac – her favorite car - year after year. During this time, she met her long-time partner and best friend, Robert “Bobby” Magnes. Debbie and Bobby shared many nights listening to music, laughing, and dancing the night away. Although Bobby called Debbie his Angel, he truly earned his wings while caring for her throughout the years.

Just as Debbie was settling into life as a grandma, or Gigi, as she wished to be called (because she was too cool to be a grandma), Debbie was dealt with the unfathomable diagnosis of early-onset dementia. Her family was devastated that someone who possessed such remarkable talent for relishing life and crafting memories would be robbed of the ability to continue doing so. When an incomprehensible cancer diagnosis came several years later, due to advanced dementia, she was unable to receive meaningful treatment. However, during the limited time that followed, she remained forever the optimist, fighting the ravages of disease with strength, while still expressing her deep love for others. In her, we have seen the true spirit of resiliency.

Debbie truly lit up a room with her smile. She never complained. She was a loyal friend and supporter, ready to share a laugh or a hug with anyone in need. She very simply wanted to love and to be loved; in the words of Janis Joplin, she would say get it while you can. Debbie is survived by her partner, Bobby; her children, Jon (Angela) Stopera and Bree Anne Stopera (Ryan Blodi); her grandchildren, Connor, Kensley, Ella, and Jonas; as well as her sisters, Bonnie Prince, and Jackie Wilson; and multiple nieces and cousins. To say that she will be missed is an understatement, but we truly hope that she has found lasting peace. Our hearts are warmed with the thought that she is dancing and singing with those that preceded her in death, especially her dear mother and father, Juanita and Clyde Laine. We all look forward to the day we can rejoice with her again.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a memorial service at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 10, 2024 at St. Stephen Catholic Church, 18858 Huron River Drive, New Boston, MI 48164, with visitation to begin at 10:00 a.m. A celebration of life event will take place immediately after the service, details to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Debbie Stopera to the Alzheimer’s Association by mail to P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011 or online here: www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate?form=alz_donate or the Breast Cancer Research Foundation by mail to 28 West 44th Street, Suite 609, New York, NY 10036 or online here: www.bcrf.org.²