Deborah (Debbie) Hoagland

Deborah (Debbie) Joyce Hoagland was born on July 7, 1969, to parents Stan and Nancy Lemko in Rochester, New York. Debbie fought a five-year battle with breast cancer and joined the angels in heaven on February 1, 2023.  She was a devoted and loving daughter, sister, mother, and friend to all who knew her.

Debbie was a happy child who enjoyed her days in Webster, New York with her sister Laura and brother Robert (Bobby). Her days were carefree and full of fun with family trips, swimming in the family swimming pool, building snowmen, walking to the Village Shop for penny candy and Friendly’s for ice cream, and playing with neighborhood friends Lisa and Wendy.

After attending State Road Elementary School in Webster, Debbie and her family moved to Plano, Texas in 1980. She enjoyed life in her new home and quickly became an avid Texan.  Debbie had many friends in high school, especially her best friend, Susan (King) Underwood.  She loved David Lee Roth, rock music and The Beastie Boys. Debbie had a contagious smile and beautiful laugh and her friendship with Susan stayed strong throughout the years.

Debbie graduated from Plano Senior High School in 1987 and soon after, she met her husband to be, Richard (Ricky) Hoagland, whom she married June 29, 1991.  Debbie and Ricky settled in Keller, Texas, and on May 27, 1998, their son, Thomas Christopher Hoagland, was born. Thomas became the focal point of Debbie’s life, and he was her greatest joy. She was always so proud of Thomas, from his early days to the man he has become. Thomas was always there for Debbie, and he was her primary caregiver during her illness.

Always an animal lover, Debbie had many pets including her cat Cricket, her dog Blackie and her beloved dog Buddy.  Buddy rarely left Debbie’s side during her illness, and he was a great comfort to her.  Shortly after Debbie passed away, Buddy traveled over the Rainbow Bridge.  So, in heaven, Debbie and Buddy are once again together and watching Thomas from above.

Most of her adult life Debbie worked in the Banking industry. She began her banking career at HSBC and worked there for many years. It was there that she met Carrie (Mason) (Mahan, her dear friend who adopted Debbie as part of her family. Carrie described Debbie as one of the most genuinely kind people she had ever met, a Superwoman, fiercely independent and extremely hardworking but who always had time for her friends and family.

Debbie continued her banking career with Southside Bank, formerly Omni American Bank, in 1996. She held various supervisory positions during her 25+ years with the bank including Consumer Lending Manager, Indirect Lending Manager and, most recently, Senior Vice President-Retail Market Manager. Debbie was very proud of her team, and she was dearly loved by all her co-workers.

Debbie had an adventurous spirit and enjoyed traveling with her family and friends. She especially enjoyed her trips to Maine and Florida. Mid coast Maine and fresh lobster were high on her list, but her favorite place to go, was the beach.  She was the ultimate beach girl.  All she needed was the sand in her toes, a beach chair, and a good book. She could spend all day at the beach, which led her to the purchase of a condo in Miramar Beach that she completely remodeled herself. On many trips, Debbie would spend the day at the beach while Thomas played tennis on the clay courts.  Some of her most cherished memories were with family and friends at her condo.

The last years of Debbie’s life were a struggle, but she fought hard until the end.  She loved her home and, as she wished, spent her last days peacefully at home under the care of her family and friends.

Debbie is survived by son Thomas Hoagland, father, Stan Lemko, mother, Nancy Jennison, sister, Laura Lemko, stepfather, Jerry Jennison, and stepmother, Rebecca Bucher. She was preceded in death by her brother Robert.

A memorial Service to celebrate Debbie’s life will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, February 25, 2023, at Allen Family Funeral Options with Pastor Robert Matthews officiating. If you wish to join the service via webcast, please visit: http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/84567

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions in Debbie’s name to Susan G. Komen, world’s leading nonprofit breast cancer organization.  Options include a donate line at 1-877-465-6636 or select option #3 at https://www.komen.org/ (Please mention Thomas Hoagland as person to receive tribute card.)