Debra Ann Leahy
July 13, 2019
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Service Details
Debra Ann (Petosa) Leahy, 64, died Saturday, July 13, 2019, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on June 9, 1955, to John and Harriet (Jeffers) Petosa in Des Moines, Iowa.
Deb worked for Nationwide and retired in 2018. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, spent countless hours volunteering for many organizations, and had a heart for rescuing animals that needed homes.
Deb is survived by her husband of 11 years, Girard Leahy who fought alongside and cared for her through this battle; children, Todd (Lora) Fraaken and Shelly (Doug) Talbot; grandchildren, Lauryn, Tyler, Jared, Kira, and Jaden; siblings, Tony (Lori) Petosa, Sue (Dennis) Cole and John Petosa; as well as numerous other beloved family and friends.
Deb was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Martha; and her late husband, Carl VandeWeerd.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 19, 2019 at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 20, 2019 at Christ the King Catholic Church, 5711 SW 9th Street followed by burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (https://www.arl-iowa.org).
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Leslie
07/20/2019
I am very sorry for your loss. No one really is prepared to let someone we love fall sleep in death so it is okay what you are feeling right now. Jehovah God created us with the desire of wanting to live forever, that is one of the reasons why this situation is the most difficult of all. It's good to see how God is ready to comfort us. Notice what he tells us in 2 Corinthians 1: 3, 4: ''Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our trials so that we may be able to comfort others in any sort of trial with the comfort that we receive from God.''. May that family find comfort in Jehovah God, the God of comfort.
Sheryl Norlin
07/19/2019
"Hey lady, how you doin!" I heard that so many times at work. Deb is a true friend.
Jerry even though you complained about her little dog, you made her laugh...that is what a loving care giver does. My heart goes out to you.
Memories will last forever and help you through this difficult time.
Carol Dennis
07/18/2019
To Deb's family...
So very sorry for your loss. Deb was such a pleasant person and I enjoyed working with her for many years at Naionwide. She always had the best smile. I will miss running into her in various places around the South side of Des Moines. Blessings to you all. Prayers, Carol Dennis
Doriano Rossi
07/18/2019
John, I am very sorry, and certainly all of our childhood friends share my sentiment, that your sister has passed. God grant you, Tony and Sue comfort during this time.
Benjamin Altes
07/17/2019
Will miss Deb deeply. She is a true friend and confidant. I am however grateful that her suffering has ended and she is now in eternity with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Well done Deb. You brought light to all who met you and we are grateful for the time that God gave you to us. God bless the family and friends of Deb. She was someone we will all cherish for the rest of our lives.
Jana McDonald
07/17/2019
Im saddened to know that Deb lost the battle here on earth but Im happy to know there is no more pain and shes dancing in the Streets in Heaven.
Mary Ellen Tripp
07/17/2019
I was deeply saddened to learn of Debs passing. We were classmates at Lincoln and also worked together at Dial, so long ago. Her beautiful smile was second to none and her heart was as big as they come. I will truly miss seeing her at LHS gatherings. My sincere prayers to the family.
Gloria and Tom Mazza
07/17/2019
We are so truly sorry for your loss. Deb was a blessing to the work we did and we enjoyed our conversations and interactions. Our deepest sympathy to you and all the family.
Diana Tarpey
07/17/2019
Jerry, Todd, Shelley and family. I can't begin to say how much she is missed already. Deb was a dear friend and loved everyone so much, and her furry ones. I miss our talks, and how we shared so much with each other over the years. Deb was a true blessing to all. You all our in my thoughts and prayers.
Sherrie VanSickle
07/16/2019
I hope her fur babies can find comfort without her!
Pam Berkland
07/16/2019
Thoughts and prayers
Dianna Wiegert
07/16/2019
Jerry, Todd, Shelley, and family, I am so sad to hear of Deb's passing. My thoughts and prayers will be with you all in the days, weeks, and months to come. I will always remember her smile and her "hey lady! How're you doin?". RIP my friend.