Debra Heaney

Debra Heaney, age 78, passed away unexpectedly on August 12, 2026. She was born on January 25, 1948, in Madison, Wisconsin, to Robert and Ann Hilton. She was raised in Madison and attended Edgewood High School.

Debra met the love of her life, Dennis Heaney, at Jingles Bar in Madison, in a story their family would never forget—she caught his attention when she tilted his pinball machine. That chance meeting became the beginning of a life they would build together. Debra and Dennis were married on February 27, 1971, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Madison. Together, they raised five children and built a home centered around family, faith, laughter, and love. Dennis preceded her in death on April 17, 2020.

Debra devoted much of her life to being a homemaker and raising her five children. Being a mother was at the heart of who she was. She worked hard to provide for her family and made sure her children always had what they needed. Her home was a place where people gathered, where there was always something to eat, and where friends were welcomed as if they were part of the family.

She had a special gift for entertaining and loved throwing parties, bringing people together, and making sure everyone was fed and having a good time. Many of her children’s childhood friends will remember Debra for the snacks, meals, laughter, and hospitality she so freely offered.

Debra had a generous heart and gave with her whole soul. Whether it was her time, her creativity, a meal, a gift, a listening ear, or simply being there when someone needed her, she gave freely and wholeheartedly. Caring for others was simply part of who she was.

Debra was also an artist and an entrepreneur. She had a creative spirit and loved making beautiful crafts, many of which she sold over the years. She later owned The Perfect Party, where she used her talent and eye for detail to decorate weddings and celebrations, helping make wedding dreams come true for many couples. She loved creating something beautiful and making important moments feel special.

She was famously known as “Deb 5,” a nickname she wore proudly and even displayed on her license plate. It was a fitting title for a woman whose five children were such a large part of her identity and her life.

Debra also had a few loves and habits that became family legends. Near the top of that list was Diet Coke, which her family jokingly believed she sometimes loved even more than her own children. She showed that love generously by leaving cans of Diet Coke in her children’s cars during the Wisconsin winter, where they occasionally froze and exploded, leaving behind a mess—and a story that would be retold for years.

She was also the family’s unofficial and completely undeclared meteorologist. Debra kept a close eye on the weather and was always ready to let her children and grandchildren know when there was a good chance they might be caught in a tornado, struck by lightning, or otherwise encounter whatever dangerous weather she believed might be headed their way. Her warnings may have occasionally been dramatic, but they always came from a place of love and wanting everyone she cared about to be safe.

Debra was a night owl and could often be found awake long after everyone else had gone to bed. No matter the hour, her children knew they could call her. She was available to listen, to talk, to worry with them, to give advice, or simply to be there. That constant availability was one of the quiet ways she made her family feel loved and cared for.

Her faith was an important and constant part of her life. Debra was always praying for the people she knew and loved. Her family could count on knowing that she was praying for them every day, through the good times, the difficult times, and everything in between. Her prayers were one of the many ways she cared for those around her.

Debra and Dennis spent most of their married life in Sheboygan Falls before moving to Fond du Lac in 1999, where they remained for the rest of their lives.

Above all, Debra loved her family. She was incredibly proud of her five children and especially proud to be the grandmother of seven grandsons. She is survived by her children, Kathleen Heaney; Colleen (John Steinbruecker); Patrick (Tracy) Heaney; Maureen (Jason Mocine); and Michael (Melissa) Heaney; and her beloved grandsons, Carson and Dennis Stevenson, Logan Steinbruecker, Patrick and Liam Heaney, and Drake and Caden Heaney.

She is further survived by her sister, Linda Schumacher; her brother, Bob Hilton; Dennis’ siblings, Pat (Barbara) Heaney, Kevin (Brenda) Heaney, Mary (Pat) McCullough, Sheila Semenas, and Sean (Lori) Heaney; her son-in-law John’s children Leah Steinbruecker and Luke (Lizbeth) Steinbruecker and their children Clyde, Jack, and Frank; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

Debra will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, provider, artist, entrepreneur, hostess, late-night phone call, weather watcher, and woman of deep faith. She loved fiercely, worried deeply, prayed constantly, laughed often, gave generously, and did her very best every day for the people she loved most.

The memories she created around the table, during family gatherings, at celebrations, through late-night conversations, and all of the ordinary moments that made up a life together will continue to bring both tears and laughter to those who loved her.

Her family takes comfort in knowing that after more than six years apart, Debra and Dennis are together again.

Debra’s family invites friends and relatives to a time of visitation on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at Holy Family Catholic Church from 12:30 PM until 2:15 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place following the visitation at 2:30 PM. Debra will be laid to rest next to her husband at Calvary Mausoleum in Fond du Lac.

A memorial fund will be created in Debra’s name for the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion.