Debra Lundin

Debra Caryle Lundin, 62, of Berrien Springs, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on October 22, 2021, following her long journey with Multiple Sclerosis. She died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones.

Debbie was born on August 21, 1959 in Benton Harbor, MI to Edward and Naomi Lundin. She lived in Bethany Beach, Sawyer, Michigan where she felt privileged to grow up going to the beach, riding her bike, playing tennis and basketball, and spending lots of time with cousins and friends. She spent many hours outside. A love of music began in her home learning piano, singing, and playing guitar. As she grew older, she learned to play trombone, sports, coach, and share the gospel playing trombone with The Continental Singers. Debbie also directed church choirs, kid’s choir, and the Shoreline Sounds Barber Shop Chorus. She sang trios with her sisters. In addition to her high school studies, basketball, volleyball, and track and field were paramount. In fact, Debbie still holds the RVHS school record for discus and shot put. She loved playing in the River Valley High School band, and graduated from RVHS in 1978. In her 20’s Debbie graduated with a Bachelors of Music from Western Michigan University.

Debbie worked for 23 years at Berrien General Hospital (which became Lakeland Continuing Care Center), as the Activities Director in the Long-Term Care Unit. She initiated the idea of an outdoor garden and gazebo for the enjoyment of the residents, and used her musical abilities to bring meaning to their lives. In addition to music, she coordinated all of the therapeutic actives and programs, including pet therapy, cooking, games, senior Olympics and field trips.

Debbie is survived by her brother Jim (Lisa) Lundin, sister Holly (Rick) Blake, sister and BFF Sherry Simpson, Brother-in-Law Tim Miner, and nieces and nephews Mark Lundin, Kelly (Mike) Van Hook, Scott (Carmen) Lundin, Erin Miner, Jada (Scott) McNabb, Ryan Blake, Chelsey (Samisi) Fonua, Shannin (Seth) Vander Ark, and Jamen (Grace) Blake, who, in Debbie’s words “brought such joy to my life”. She was preceded in death by her parents, Naomi & Ed Lundin, sister Bonnie Miner, and nephew Bradley Miner.

A personal note from Debbie:

“It took MS for me to really learn what it meant to put my complete trust in Christ. As difficult as MS was at times, I realized it was a gift to learn what it meant to depend on Him completely. He promised to always be with me and He was faithful through all my days. I also realized that this life is truly a blink and the most important thing is for each of us to do is to ask Him to forgive us our sins and accept Jesus as The Lord for our lives so that we can live eternally with Him in heaven. His grace and faithfulness is something He offers to all of us”.

A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, November 18, 2021 at 11:00 am, at Woodland Shores Church, in Bridgman, MI.