Deborah "Debbie" Macomber

Deborah Wells Macomber was born on May 13, 1940 in New York, NY. She passed away on
August 14, 2020 in Indianapolis, IN. Better known as Debbie to friends and family, she was
often confused with prolific author Debbie Macomber, whom she connected with on Facebook
to swap stories of confused fans and/or friends reaching out.
Debbie was preceded in death by her parents F.M. “Wellsy” Wells and Ruth Wells; and her
sister Marga McLeod. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Marshall Adams Macomber;
her children, Laura Macomber Brueckmann (Brad), Janet Macomber Hansen (Curt), and Rob
Macomber (Linda); her grandchildren, Erik Brueckmann (Stephanie), Heidi Brueckmann, Kirstin
Brueckmann Kruip (Benjamin), CJ Hansen, Jamie Macomber, Casey Hansen, and Brian
Macomber; as well as her first great-grandchild, arriving in February 2021.
Anyone who had the extreme fortune of knowing Debbie knew one indisputable fact: nothing
was more important to her than family. From passing on her love of shelling on the beaches of
Sanibel, to sharing the gospel of the Barefoot Contessa’s Outrageous Brownies (no nuts –
obviously), to enthusiastically responding to every single, “Grandma, Grandma, watch me [insert
dance move, guitar solo, trick off the diving board],” the unconditional love and devotion she had
for her family was unmatched. The family would be remiss without mentioning the most
important man in Debbie’s life, much to his chagrin at receiving any attention. Debbie became
complete and joined two halves of one whole when she and Marshall met at Cornell University
(he was her freshman orientation counselor…). He was and will always be the love of her life.
The family was able to come together in two exceptionally special places: Sanibel Island, FL
and Lake Wawasee, IN. In these homes away from home, Debbie was able to repeatedly
experience the greatest joy of her life: time spent with family. Even though she would want it
pointed out that she was merely an “outlaw,” it is undeniable that the family is anchored by the
kindness, generosity, and love that she exemplified.
On Sanibel, Debbie was always the first to suggest a family lunch at Gramma Dot’s or a trip on
the Sanibel Thriller to watch the dolphins play (and maybe learn something new about the island
– even though she already knew it all). She was always up for a hand of Gin Rummy or a game
of Bananagrams by the pool. As grandkids swam and splashed, she imparted wisdom such as
the difference between “bring” and “take” and the ever popular Fractured Fairytales. Try saying
this five times fast: Tunce upon a wine, Prindarella stell down the fairs and slopped her dripper.
Lake Wawasee was truly one of Debbie’s happy places. From her throne on the porch, she
trounced everyone, regardless of generation, in Words with Friends. She always made sure the
freezer was stocked with Eggos, sausage links, and Dilly Bars, preparing for the inevitable
onslaught of family members who would pass through the kitchen (yes, Dilly Bars are an
acceptable breakfast food). At 5PM, family knew they would find Aunt Debbie on the porch with
a glass of wine, ready to kibbitz over cocktail hour.

More than anything, Debbie wanted her family to be happy and was most concerned with the
accomplishments (big or small) of her children and grandchildren, as well as the
accomplishments of the copious amounts of cousins and extended family members who loved
her so fiercely. Thanks to Debbie being the self-designated photographer of the family,
memories and photos will live on in the 40,000+ photos on her computer (that she sometimes
deigned to be a part of) and her “creeper” status on social media that both horrified and
delighted her grandchildren. There will never be another woman like Debbie Macomber, who
was a true icon; even if she never understood why the phrase the kids say is, “My bad,” and not,
“Me bad.”
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Debbie’s honor to one of the
organizations and causes that held a special place in her heart:
● The Pink Fund (https://bit.ly/3aulaA2), which provides financial assistance for people
receiving active treatment for breast cancer.
● Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund
(https://bit.ly/311l8gb), which helps entertainment professionals meet coronavirus-related
expenses and other challenges brought about by the pandemic.
● Christamore House (https://bit.ly/3avBFMz), which provides the very best child and
youth educational services, senior programming and life skills training to the residents of
Haughville and the Near-Westside (Indianapolis).
As Debbie liked to say when she was ready to turn in for the night, “Well, I’ve been delightful,
I’m off to bed.” So, from all of her family, we would like to say one final time,
“Debbie/Mom/Grandma – you have been more delightful than anyone in our lives. We love you,
goodnight.”