Debra Brack

Debra Ann Mudgett Harris Brack 11/06/1950 7/5/2021. Friend, Partner, Wife, Business Associate, Mother, Aunt, Sister, Grandmother, very close friend to many, 70 years old. She passed away on July 5, 2021 at Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins while being extremely well taken care of by Pathways Hospice. Her husband, Richard, often called her "The Queen of Empathy" - Debbie had a veritable myriad of health/medical issues most of which began to show themselves when she was about fifty. But no matter how she hurt, whatever physical pain, post-operations (so many operations), she was ALWAYS SMILING, and virtually all of her concerns were about others and how they were doing. Virtually everyone she met became a good friend. Debbie was born in Denver and was proud to say that she was a third-generation Coloradan.

Debbie had strong ties to Fort Collins (her parents met here at Colorado A&M) and following her divorce in 1989, with some ready assistance from her brother, John Mudgett, she moved back here from San Diego, CA, with both of her young sons, Bryan and Bradley, ages 10 and 8.

Debbie was an extremely talented Cosmetologist and Beautician and was an active partner and officer in a Boulder company called Hair Art. In about 1980, Hair Art asked her to open a new branch office in Fort Collins, which she was very happy to do. Obviously, she needed a house and that brought her to the office of Fort Collins Realty. Very serendipitously, that was where she met her future husband, Richard Brack, when she walked into his office to inquire about available homes. Over the next few years Richard sold her and her husband Ron Harris, four houses, including one he custom built for them. And Debbie was expertly taking care of the coiffure needs for Richard and all of the rest of his family in Fort Collins.

Debbie and Richard became fast friends and he always kept track of her through various moves - in order: Denver, Phoenix and then San Diego. At the same time Richard was moving his family - in order: Aurora, Gunnison, Dallas and then Virginia. At that time they couldn't have been much farther apart geographically. Also at about that time, 1989, they both became separated and then divorced from their spouses. With serendipity still working its magic, on a flight layover in Fort Collins to see his family, Richard found out thru his parents that Debbie, a single Debbie, was back in town. The rest of this story, through a bit more magic, led to their Wedding on August 3, 1991 - this August would have been their 30th Anniversary.

Giving a nod to the axiom that there's no such thing as an "ex-in-law", Debbie's sisters-in-law after her divorce from Ron, simply became very close "SISTERS". There has always been much continuing love between Debbie and Sharman Nichols in CA and Sherri Wells in Denver. Both of them continue to be a HUGE blessing in this time of Debbie's demise and offering support to Richard through this trying time.

"Sister" Sherri is the younger sister and she said about Debbie that she has always been a SISTER to me and more; a trustworthy friend, a confidant, a huge supporter, a positive influence, a mentor, a positive role model, even as a mother when need be.

Sherri also said that she'd never known anyone like her, who remained so positive and upbeat, no matter what life handed her. She was brave, resilient, optimistic, strong, courageous and a real fighter!! She has been such a great and positive role model for everyone around her. She was a woman of faith who demonstrated her love for God by loving on everyone around her.

"Sister" Sharman wanted to share her personal observations: "When Debbie was first married in 1969, Debbie and Ron lived in that same Aurora home with her, her sister and her parents for one summer. We always ate supper together as a family, and Debbie prepared each evening meal that she and Ron would eat. That summer, I learned so many things about food and cooking from her. I saw new foods that I had never seen before and I learned about new and delicious ways to prepare familiar foods. I was in awe of her sophistication."

Sharman also mentioned some later years after Debbie had married Richard and she was a guest in our home, that Debbie was always a thoughtful, gracious hostess and always served us amazing gourmet meals. Debbie was also articulate, informed, perfectly coiffed, and beautifully dressed. Her backyard gardens and her home decor were spectacular.

The most important avenue of HUGE support has been Debbie's brother John Mudgett and his wonderful wife Becki. They have been there through nearly every step of the way, through the last many months of failing health with Hospice at home and especially during these last few days of Debbie's final hospitalization. Brother John wanted to state on the day that his wonderful sister Debbie passed away that "Debbie's has been a long painful path, and I am thankful that she is no longer suffering. Memories of her tenacious and steadfast love for life, coupled with her loving spirit and brilliant mind will always remain in my heart." Sister Becki wanted to mention her personal perceptions of Debbie through the last many years. She wanted it noted that Debbie had the "Gift of Hospitality" that she always greeted all company with a smile and made them feel welcome. Even when compromised by various afflictions, Debbie made a point of always looking nice, with her hair, nails and clothing. She knew Debbie to be very smart, a passionate gardener and accomplished chef. That Debbie's curiosity showed in her interest of others and wanted to listen to their stories of life. Debbie LOVED to entertain others and have large gatherings at her home and feed them some of her delectable kitchen creations. Becki was impressed at Debbie's acceptance of her many conditions and limitations and ability to overcome them. Debbie would sometimes repeat her father's admonition to "Be Tough, be Brave" and followed that throughout her life.

Debbie's son, Bryan, wanted to comment on the JOY that his mother realized through reading, gardening and cooking. He also wanted to mention her special gift of making friends wherever she went. It was simply not possible to stay a stranger and not like or love her. When he talks with his friends about his mom, that's one of the first things that they mention.

Debbie's son, Bradley, who married a wonderful young lady named Sara, has continued to bring Debbie much joy together with her wonderful and beautiful children, Avery and Sawyer, ages 8 and 5. That they are nearby and visit often has always been one of Debbie's most joyous times. For Debbie, or "Nana", they simply couldn't come over often enough to please Nana and she relished every moment that they were with her. Bradley also said that she was the greatest mother he could have ever asked for, and one of the most loving, kind, caring, and accepting people that quite possibly, the world has ever known. He says these things without hubris, as he knows that there isn't a single person that met her that wasn't touched by her light. In the best of times, she was there to celebrate with joy, positivity, and a charismatic personality that I've rarely seen. In the hard times, she was always there with a helping hand, a shoulder to cry on, and again, that signature positivity. She was a beacon of love in a life full of uncertainty. She loved her family and friends intensely, and imparted so much beauty into all of our lives - and we loved her in turn.

"I'm broken right now, but I know that even though she's left this world, that she'll always be with me to help pick up the pieces as she always has."

"I'm missing you so much right now, Mom. I promise to carry your light forward. Your suffering has ended now. May God rest your beautiful soul."

Husband Richard has a son, Joshua Logan Brack, who was quite young when the friendship developed with Debbie and she began cutting everyone's hair in the family. Perhaps his first experience with her was when Josh's mom, Julie Brack, asked Debbie to at least attempt to repair the haircut that Richard had given him (it was NOT very good). Josh had this to say about Debbie: "Debbie has been a part of my life since I was a child and I can easily say she was one of the most genuine people I've ever known. She went out of her way to make everyone around her happy, all while suffering through multiple ailments. We will all miss Debbie, but we all have wonderful memories of the time we spent with her."

Husband Richard, who prepared this document, just wanted to say that it was far and away the very most difficult paper he has ever written, with a goodly amount of tears on the keyboard. I have spent the last, approximately 32 years, trying to figure out how and why Debbie and I happened. Before it happened I had never entertained a dream of ever being with my Debbie. But then, as previously mentioned, serendipity and its magic just happened. As a bit of a marital test, the first 10 years of our marriage found me traveling all over the country for about 300 days per year. During all of that time there was NEVER a doubt with either of us that this was a lifelong commitment. Thanks be to God that following my retirement I was able to take care of Debbie through all of her myriad health issues. I never once begrudged a single minute of it and looked at it as my privilege. Had I known, 30 years ago, that this would be my life, I would NOT have hesitated for a moment to make the commitment that I did. I thank God for this opportunity and privilege. Saying goodbye was the most difficult thing I have ever done. May God bless you my Debbie and hold you safely, pain-free, in His arms.

During the last 22 years, we have been blessed with the care and expertise of Doctor John L. Bender. He is not only a brilliant doctor but he has always been very empathetic and we have become very good friends.. There have been more than a few times where certain afflictions could have led to a much earlier death. John was always there to provide the proper care and treatment. Alas, this time was impossible for any sort of medical cure.

Debbie was predeceased by her parents, Jesse Edward Mudgett and Carmen Chandler Mudgett. Debbie is survived by Brother John Mudgett and his wife, Rebecca (Becki), sons, Bryan Harris and Bradley Harris, his wife, Sara, Grandchildren Avery and Sawyer, "Sisters" Sherri Wells and Sharman Nichols, Stepson Joshua Brack, his wife Dawna and their children, Grandchildren Alaina and Ryan Brack, and her husband Richard Brack. Also hundreds if not thousands of good friends.