North Richland Hills–Debra “Debbie” Lee Tedone, a passionate and loving wife, mother, daughter, cousin, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at the age of 64.
Celebration of Life: 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 21, 2020 at Brown Owens & Brumley Family Funeral Home Chapel.
Debbie was born September 17, 1956 in Washington D.C. to the late Samuel B. and Phyllis J. Sewall. She married the love of her life, Mark Tedone, in 1983 and together they had 3 children: Philip, David, and Melissa Tedone. Debbie was an extraordinary mother embodying unfailing love, faith, character, generosity, compassion, and humility. To her family, she was an endless source of passion, love, support, and stability.
Debbie was active in her children’s lives throughout their school years and was extremely proud of their accomplishments as adults. Beyond her family, Debbie was especially active in local dog rescue programs. She adopted numerous otherwise homeless pets herself and found permanent homes for dozens more. With ample energy and passion to spare, Debbie was quick to volunteer her talents to anyone. She leaves a huge void in her family’s life and will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
Debbie is preceded in death by her beloved parents, Samuel B. Sewall and Phyllis J. Sewall, her brother, Charles Sewall, and many other beloved family members.
Survivors: Loving husband of 38 years, Mark Tedone; beloved children, Philip Tedone, David Tedone and Melissa Tedone; beloved cousin, Donna Hunter, and countless additional relatives and special friends.
Laurie Brickham
Mark…. no matter how many years pass and you lose touch with friends, they always hold a special place in your heart, like you and Debbie. I treasure the time Debbie and I worked together in Richmond… she was always a bright light in the day. I am forever grateful to Melissa to reaching out to me and I’ll be keeping you and your children in my thoughts and prayers as you navigate this path ahead of you.
Chris Brown
Mark, Philip, David, and Melissa I want you to know I cherish all the wonderful memories of Debbie and look forward to sharing those memories when we are all together. She was like a sister to me. Her beautiful smile, laughter, energy and amazing spirit will be impossible to match, however, I know that she is happy to be with her parents and brother and will watch over each one of you. Know that you guys are so special to our family and we will be there praying daily.
I love yall. Chris Brown
Angela Headrick
Debbie was a friend to me and my family. I wish paths had kept us closer through the past few years. I remember her embracing me and my family. She loved us and accepted everyone one us. She was so kind to all my children. Gave nothing but love and laughter. Her laughter captured everyone that heard it. She absolutely asked for nothing in return for all the love that she gave to us. I remember she and I, after seeing a special on Oprah about Fort Worth animal shelter having to put down their dogs because they had to many, rushed down to the Fort Worth Shelter and I adopted 1 dog and she adopted two! And she already had dogs! But she had such a wide open heart. She opened it to people, dogs, birds…She was filled with love for all. She was a very sweet and special person.
JANICE LELAND
We were known as the triplets. My twin and I were born one month before Debbie. We shared our summers together with our Grandmother Dee Dee. Our mother’s were sisters. I will remember our summers and the love. Debbie is and will be missed.
Diane Leland Langley
Debbie was my cousin and I am one of the twins. Even though distance and time have separated us I have many great memories of our youth. She was very special and will be missed by all. My thoughts are with the family during this sorrowful time. I know my Aunt Phyllis, Uncle Sam and cousin Charles are waiting for her and will wrap there loving arms around her.
Joyce Anderson
Debra Lee Sewall Tedone was the most generous person I have ever known … generous in EVERY way. So generous of spirit was she that she always saw more in me than I saw in myself.
We shared our kids’ youths and life’s ups and downs. I was the first to know of Melissa’s existence. And when I was broken and unable to speak at my son Nathan’s memorial service, Debbie spoke my words, which she did beautifully despite her own grief. Now THAT defines is a true forever friend. I regret that I could not be there to support Debbie in 2020, but our 29 year friendship was not diminished. Debbie was a truly unique individual … 100% heart. I loved her very much and will always cherish our friendship. My sincere condolences to you, Mark, Philip, David, and Melissa.
Janice Forte
My precious Tedone family, with Debbie time could pass but nothing would change. She was always sweet, kind, generous, gracious, and full of mercy. With open arms she always made me feel welcomed. Her love was shown in how she lived. May her memories bring you comfort. And may God give you peace.
Bob and Dorothy Wooley
Mark and family, Debbie was the best friend to me and my family. With her nursing skills she was there for me. Always giving of herself. She will always remain in our hearts. God bless your family.