Connie Jean Debray

Connie was born to Bernice Hately and Martin Paul DeBray on October 24, 1942 in Redding California. Her siblings are Martin Paul DeBray, Judith Newsome, and Jenetta Coffey. As a young lady Connie‘s passion and career was caregiving in the Salem Oregon area and she loved to help others. She met her husband in grade school and he always carried her books to and from school. Donald Franklin, who later became her husband had told her he would one day marry her and they would have children. Connie and Donald had four beautiful children;… Donald Franklin, Ruth archer and then a set of twins Colette Franklin and Colleen Anderson. Connie was a young widow at 45 years old, when her husband passed away suddenly. Over the years the family she and her husband created has left a legacy behind. She has 4 children and 22 grand/great grandchildren. After Connie retired she loved spending time with her family and enjoyed creating dream catchers and giving them to family. She always loved Jesus and prayed to him often. Connie was the best mother, daughter, sister, friend, aunt and grandma that anyone could’ve asked for. From our earliest memories she was always wrapping her arms around all of us, showering us with love, pinching our cheeks and fake biting to show us how much we meant to her. She was always so caring and much too often carried the worries/stresses of her loved ones on her shoulders. As loving as she was, she was also that mama bear to us all, not afraid to push anyone out of the way to stand up and fight for the ones she loved, as well as stick it to us when we were in the wrong and kick our butts into gear. She had the most amazing sense of humor and would always give everyone a laugh, even if it was at her expense. If you didn’t know Connie you missed out, she would’ve been someone who left a footprint in your heart and mind. Connie passed away peacefully in her Stayton Oregon residence on July 21, 2019 surrounded by family. She was diagnosed with lung cancer about three weeks before her passing. The news at first was difficult on her, but she took no time to find peace with her maker and to make light of the situation and try to help her loved ones feel at peace as well. In the hospital after diagnosis she spent about one week before she was able to go home. She had a collapsed lung and difficulty breathing at times. A funny memory while there was when she scared the family and nurses; she was breathing very fast and blowing down at her chest. When asked what she was doing, she responded, “trying to blow my lung back up!” (She loved the nurses and doctors at Salem Hospital and was so grateful to them and thankful). She also had a few close friends that she will always cherish, Cathy Klass, Karen Emerson and Linda Sisco who made a footprint in her life. Connie’s memories will forever live in our heart and soul until we see her again. The family thanks you for the love and support you have shown them over the last few days. Many have asked how they can help or lend a hand. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that contributions be made on this memorial page to cover funeral expenses. Your kind thoughts and messages are much appreciated during this incredibly difficult time.