BURNSVILLE, Minn. - Deb was born on May 27, 1960, near Ipswich, England, and passed on Monday, April 3, 2023, in Burnsville.

The fourth child in an Air Force family, she grew up understanding the value and challenge of travel; how to make friends and create memories; and adapt to new situations. Those qualities served her in both good and challenging times throughout her life. Roots in Texas, branches in Michigan, and adventures in multiple states honed her skills to accept the gift of the present and the hope for the future.

Her professional special education teaching career started in Kansas. A master's degree helped secure a position with the Burnsville Public Schools. She loved her students and their families and she loved living closer to her friends and family. She was a passionate aunt to two nieces and two nephews and always took time to follow their adventures. She only played favorites when it came to her beloved Minnesota Twins baseball team. Being a lifelong social butterfly, Deb's passion for travel and happy hour was surpassed only by her love for animals. A meaningful outlet became volunteer time at the Minnesota Zoo as a guide and concert usher.

Her dogs were her lifelong companions and brought comfort during her long illness. Initially diagnosed with narcolepsy (sudden sleep) and cataplexy (gross motor failure), ironically triggered by strong laughter, it led to the discovery of her brain tumor in March of 1995. A successful surgery and radiation treatment allowed her to endure a remarkably slow progression of the disease and a meaningful commitment to focus on her best life, each day. As her care needs and physical abilities changed over the years, she was forced to adapt and reset her expectations with the help of family and friends. But in May of 2021, her oncologist pronounced treatments were no longer possible and she should get her house in order for an estimated three-month decline. Deb was always full of surprises and liked to defy medical odds.

Immediate family greeting her in Heaven were her mother, Audrey; a sister, Ann; and her beloved poodle, Abbey.

Celebrating her joys today are her father, David J. Franti, Ewen, Michigan; two brothers, David G. (Marcia) Franti, Pickerington, Ohio, and Gerald (Kathy) Franti, Burnsville; and four nieces and nephews, Sara, Ryan, Olivia and Quinn.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 10, at 11 a.m. EDT, preceded by visitation at 10:30 a.m. EDT, at the First Lutheran Church in Ewen, with the Rev. Kay Richter officiating.

Interment will take place at the Evergreen Cemetery in Ewen.

Luncheon will be served in the church fellowship hall immediately upon return from the cemetery and visitation will continue during the meal.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, Michigan, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.