Debbie Sue (Farnsworth) Ortez

Debbie Sue Ortez (Farnsworth), 57, passed away peacefully on March 4th, 2026, after a courageous and private battle with an ongoing illness. She packed more love, laughter, and adventure into her 57 years than seemed truly possible.

Debbie was born on June 4th, 1968, in Pontiac, Michigan, to Donald and Pamela Farnsworth. She is survived by her two children, Joseph A. Wagner (38) and Savannah R. Cantu (25), who truly meant the world to her; As well as her siblings, Donny Farnsworth (69), Kevin Farnsworth (62), Jeffery Farnsworth (61), and Lisa Farnsworth (60); and 11 beloved nieces and nephews.

Debbie was married to Guadalupe (Lupe) Ortez, and they shared a beautiful life together as well as a wedding anniversary with her parents. Unfortunately, Debbie lost her husband in 1999. She has always said that, without Lupe pushing her, she would never have found her second family at Woodward Hills Health and Rehabilitation Center. Debbie worked at Woodward Hills for over 30 years, going above and beyond for her patients and peers. She was a staple of the Woodward Hills family and left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered, whether through her advice, service, or her open-door policy that made everyone feel welcome and appreciated.

Debbie’s greatest joy was her role as a mother; she provided her two children with constant love and support, and she never missed an opportunity to tell them how proud she was of them. She led by example and taught her children the importance of kindness and of leading with their hearts. Debbie always made sure everyone around her knew of her children’s accomplishments and successes. Her children noted that she was the first person they would call when they had good news and also the first person they would call when things fell apart because she was always there for them, no matter how big or small; that’s just the kind of person she was.

Debbie was one of the brightest souls, loving anything Mickey Mouse or Disney-related. Her enduring love of animals and her role as the photographer at any party, holiday, or random Monday—because “pictures are memories”—defined her as a whole. She was always candid with her feelings, but above all, her laughter and joy filled any room like no other.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, March 29th, from 10:00am to 1:00pm at COATS FUNER HOME-WATERFORD. Followed by a Luncheon from 2:00pm to 6:00pm at The Blush Ballroom Event Venue, 1187 W Huron St #100, Waterford Township, MI 48328. To post a tribute, visit www.CoatsFuneralHome.com.

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