Deborah "Debbie" Fish, age 70, of Farmington Hills, passed away early Wednesday morning, September 2, 2026, at Heart-to-Heart Hospice House in Troy, where she had been receiving care during the final week of her life.

Debbie was born October 8, 1955, in Detroit, the daughter of the late George and Virginia (Zapran) Fish. She attended St. Thomas Aquinas for elementary school and later Our Lady of Mercy High School in Farmington Hills. Debbie went on to earn an associate degree from Henry Ford Community College, preparing her for a varied working life that included both retail and food service.

Debbie began working while still in high school at the Ben Franklin store in Dearborn Heights. Over the years, she held positions with several well-known retailers, including Winkelman's, where she worked for many years and developed a loyal clientele. She later returned to the food-service field, working at a number of food establishments.

Wherever Debbie worked, she had a way of getting to know the people she served. At Speedway, she became especially familiar with many of the regular customers who came in each day. Knowing that local landscaping crews started their days early and would soon be looking for lunch, Debbie would make a point of preparing the hot food ahead of schedule so it would be ready when they arrived. It was a simple gesture, but one that reflected her natural desire to do something thoughtful for others.

Debbie retired from full-time employment in January 2013 and was able to devote more time to the things she enjoyed most. Above all, she loved music. Her tastes crossed many genres, although classic rock held a special place in her heart. Over the years, she attended countless concerts, including performances by artists such as The Rolling Stones, Hall & Oates, Crosby, Stills & Nash, and Chicago. Debbie not only enjoyed listening to music—she knew the artists, their histories, and the stories behind the songs. Her family joked that with her knowledge, she could easily have been a disc jockey.

Her love of music was evident in her extensive collection of albums and CDs, numbering in the hundreds. Debbie was also an avid reader with an impressive collection of books, particularly enjoying biographies, autobiographies, history, and other nonfiction. She was endlessly interested in learning and enjoyed public radio and discovering different varieties and styles of music.

In 2020, Debbie faced an initial cancer diagnosis with courage and determination. Through her treatments, difficult seasons, and a recurrence in 2023, she remained characteristically independent and strong-willed.

Debbie was a private person who did not quickly let people into her inner circle, but those who earned her trust knew the depth of her heart. She was kindhearted, deeply compassionate and willing to help someone in need. Her family remembers her as fiercely independent and someone who genuinely wanted to do for others.

Although Debbie's circle may have been small, the relationships she treasured were meaningful and lasting. She will be remembered for her independence, her love of music and books, her remarkable knowledge of the artists and subjects that interested her, and most of all for the kindness she quietly extended to others.

Surviving Debbie are her three devoted siblings, Kathy (the late Harry) Fish-Gilbert, Pat (John) Dolski, and George (Lisa) Fish; and five nieces and nephews, George Gilbert, Erin and Jordan Dolski, and Jackie and Ashley Fish.

Family and friends may gather for visitation at the Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home in downtown Farmington on Wednesday, September 9, from 4-7 pm.  A brief remembrance ceremony is planned for 4:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes are kindly suggested to Heart-to-Heart Hospice

Debbie will be deeply missed by her family and by those fortunate enough to have known her.  May she rest in peace.

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