Debra L. Charlson

Debra L. Charlson age 68 of Sauk City, Wis., passed away on the 28th of November 2023 at 9:05 a.m. at Waunakee Valley Skilled Nursing Home in Waunakee, Wis. She was born in Peoria, Ill., to Phyllis Frede Baum and Russell Charlson, they both preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death were three brothers, and one sister. She is survived by her two former husbands, Essex Higgins, Jr., and Gary Griscott, both of Peoria, Ill.

Debbie was a kind and loving mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother, cousin, and friend. She is survived by one daughter, Racheal Haas (Terry) of Prairie du sac, Wis.; two sons, Sean Girbert (Kellie) of Smiths Grove, Kentucky, and Nicolaus Higgins, Sr. (Tabatha) of Port Richey, Florida. She is also survived by one brother, Greg Charlson (Rosemary) of Peoria, Ill., and three sisters, Cheryl Smith Walsdorff (Jerry) of Brooksville, Florida, Carol Burnett of Peoria, Ill., and Judith Fielding of Port Richey, Florida; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Debbie worked as a nurse for 30+ years at numerous nursing home facilities and Methodist Medical Center in Peoria, Ill. She was dedicated to her patients and was deeply compassionate for each and every one in her care.

Debbie was known as the “peacekeeper”. She loved to fish and held special memories of family vacations to Rice Lake, Wis. She loved her Chicago Cubs, especially former catcher Jody Davis. She played softball and darts and was on several competitive teams throughout the years.

Debbie loved to cook and bake for her family and was renowned for the Christmas cookies she divided among everyone.

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Agrace HospiceCare for their help and care at this special time. Cremation rites have been accorded and a celebration of life for Debbie will be scheduled in May 2024 in Peoria, Ill.

She loved her family very much and they were always on her mind and in her heart.

All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services of Madison is assisting the family. Online condolences can be shared at www.866allfaiths.com.