In Memory

Many of us have gotten to know Debbie very well over the years, after she joined our department first as a temp in February 2010 and later in a permanent position in March 2011.  She has long been a valued colleague, a trusted confidante, and generally a witty and funny person we were privileged enough to call a friend.  We will miss her!
One thing I will miss very much are the kind of meandering, wide-ranging conversations that Debbie and I had over the years.  She was a genuinely curious soul, who always asked great questions.  What started as a discussion about the impacts of NCAA conference realignment soon found its way to the lighting techniques of film noir and to the fate of the Roman Empire before ending on CIA interrogation techniques.  Without fail, she left me wanting to do more research on topics in prep for our next convo.

Aaron McCright, Sociology Chair

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Debbie was tremendously helpful with my accounts and arrangements all the time she was with the Department.  It was always a delight to stop by her office and chat for a while.  Both professionally and personally she was a tremendous asset to the Department.  And she always loved the fudge I brought her from Mackinac Island.

Craig Harris, Professor Emeritus

I retired many years  ago,  so  I  did not work  with her for as many years  as some others of you.   But like  so many others,  I found her  very warm, and competent  and  helpful  and had  many  interesting conversations with her-  because of her wide ranging curiosity.

Stan Kaplowitz, Professor Emeritus

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As the department's last acting chair, I can testify that she was a wonderful translator and interpreter of many MSU and federal regulations that made our department life and grant applications possible and easy for both for the  faculty and grad students. Best of all, she was an intelligent, hard-working, kind, and generous human being who shared her energy and her person and life with us.

As they said at his passing for another wonderful person Hamba Kahle, Nelson Mandela - Hamba Kahle, Debbie Jesswein - farewell, go with grace and peace, we will miss you.

Dave Wiley, Professor Emeritus

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Debbie had so many wonderful qualities. She was warm, thoughtful, brilliant, gave terrific feedback on my proposals, and had a great sense of humor.

In the course of helping with a grant application, she became great friends with my overseas colleague and inquired about his well-being just last week.

She will be missed and remembered with much fondness.

Steve Gold, Professor

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At times, especially as one keeps up with current affairs, it can be difficult to imagine that our world is heading towards a good place.  But, getting to know someone like Debbie reminds us that there are indeed “good souls” on this earth and consequently that there is room for optimism.  Debbie was a wonderful human being who I know will be truly missed by those who loved her the most.

Raymond Jussaume, Professor

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Even the few interactions I’ve had with Debbie left a lasting positive impression and her warmth, knowledge, and skills will be missed.  

Angélica De Jesús, Graduate Student

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I echo everyone's sentiments and I am heartened to hear the connection that Debbie had to everyone in the department.  She was a soft place to go when life was cruel.  When I was going through my divorce, she was a sanctuary for me and let me cry in her office without any sense of judgement or discomfort.  She was happy to offer a hug when I asked and I will so dearly miss her.

Jennifer Carrera, Associate Professor

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I'm so shocked and saddened, and my heart goes out to her family and friends and to all of us. I got to know her a lot better over the past few months as I stepped into new territory at MSU. She was incredibly patient and kind and unfailing in helping me toward my goal. She was the kind of colleague you could count on and have a chat with as well. I will miss her terribly.

Stacy Smith, Assistant Professor

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So very sad. We’ll miss her so much! She was just a joy to work and talk with.

Cliff Broman, Professor

Like all of us, Sophia and I were terribly saddened to learn of Debbie’s passing.  From her very first day with us Debbie was a source of inspiration, constant encouragement, and support to our entire department. Her genuine kindness towards, care for, and support of us all was unconditional. Debbie truly made the world a better place and everybody she met a happier, wiser, and more reflective person.

Brendan Mullen, Professor

Debbie has touched our lives in so many ways. She made our department a community. I loved stopping by her office and chatting with her. She always asked about my dad, how he's doing after my mom passed away. She always asked about Rivka, my daughter, and shared daycare tips from the time when her daughter grew up—it turns out we used the same YMCA summer camps in Haslett. She always asked about my trips. The last time when I stopped by her desk was in July. We chatted away about Italy. We talked about the beaches, then air pollution & Canadian wildfire, and then the conversation shifted to climate change, and ended (again) with how my dad is doing. How would I know that would be the last time.. 

 She will always be remembered.

Xuefei Ren, Professor

Debbie was one of the people who helped me the most in the department. She was always positive, willing to help, and warm-hearted. I remember when my father passed away from a sudden heart attack several years ago, Debbie comforted me with her big heart, saying that was how she wanted to leave this world—quick and painless. Now she has left us peacefully, leaving her warm heart and happy memories for all of us to cherish. She was one-of-a-kind and will be missed by everyone.

Cathy Lui, Professor

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Debbie was a wonderful colleague and friend. She was always so kind, generous, and patient. I will miss her warmth in the department greatly. 

Rebecca A. Karam, PhD

Debbie was a great colleague. She was warm, kind, caring, and optimistic.

She was proud of her work and helped me in so many ways. I will always remember her smiles and the laughter we shared. 

Zhenmei Zhang, Professor

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I am so terribly sorry to hear of Debbie's passing, but glad to learn she passed peacefully in her sleep. Isn't that how we all wish it would be when it is our time? I echo everyone's thoughts of Debbie. She was kind and helpful and such a gem. My sympathies to her family and my prayers will be for them.

Jodi Yelnick, Assistant Professor

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Such sad news. Debbie was so kind and patient, and I will miss her greatly.

Molly Copeland, Assistant Professor

From the SSRC Pandemic and Reflections grant team

This is indeed shocking!

Our interactions with Debbie were brief and professional, but were sufficient to realise that Debbie was a sincere, concerned, and affectionate person. 

We pray for her soul to rest in peace and courage for her family to bear the loss 

Regards 

Vidya and Anand (IRMA, India)

Professor of Economics

IRMA, India

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Unbelievable and shocking . I am still trying to comprehend what is said in your mail about Debbie. It was a privilege to know her through email correspondence with her and connecting with her often for financial transactions was a pleasure instead of being bureaucratic. she was so prompt and kind to reply with as much details as asked for. Felt so connected with her despite knowing her only through emails and through your conversations which often mentioned her name .  

My heartfelt condolences to her family , friends and colleagues at MSU.  

Take care 

Anandhi S (MIDS, India)

Professor of History

MIDS India

***This is so shocking.  Each interaction with Debbie was so pleasant that I thought when we meet it will feel like meeting a friend.  And that ends like this...

I am not sure whether we can let her family know our deep respect for her, but if you think that is appropriate, perhaps we can send something on our behalf?

 Such a tragedy.

Deepest condolences,

Bandana Purkayastha, Ph.D. (she/her/hers);  

Associate Dean, Social Sciences, Regional Campuses, and Community Engagement. College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. 

Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor,  University of Connecticut. Sociology and Asian American Studies, 

https://sociology.uconn.edu/person/bandana-purkayastha/

International Sociological Association: Vice President, National Associations, 2023-2027

American Sociological Association: Asia and Asian American section's Contribution to the Field (career) award, 2016;     Jessie Bernard award (career award), 2019. 

Sociologists for Women in Society:  President, 2013-2014;  Feminist Mentoring award (2018).  

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This is truly shocking and very sad news.  Like the others, I felt that my interactions with Debbie were more than bureaucratic - she was cordial, helpful and always pleasant in her emails and interactions.  She is quite possibly the best financial rep I ever interacted with and remember thinking that you were so lucky to have her on your team. She was so professional, prompt in her replies and advice and always looking to make things easier for the researchers and get them reimbursed in a timely manner.

 I know her passing is a huge loss to you and your department.  Please convey to your chair and colleagues that even those who only knew her through emails and phone calls thought that she was wonderful. 

I am really saddened by her untimely death.

With much sadness,

Elizabeth Chacko

Professor of Geography,

The George Washington University

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A rude reminder that life is short. Hope her family can emerge through this tragedy with the passing of time.

 With a heavy heart 

Paromita Sanyal

Professor of Sociology

Florida State University

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I am so sad to hear the sudden and totally unexpected loss of your colleague Debbie of whom you had spoken while you were here in Kolkata. I do remember that you had so thoughtfully taken back the little memento for her and had mentioned how supportive she was in matters of reimbursement.

It is such a shock for her family and friends to cope with the suddenness of this loss.

My heartfelt condolences to all who feel the pain of her passing.

With sadness,

Sharmila Kumam

Associate Professor

Department of Geography

Loreto College, Kolkata, India

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