Deborah Kay Cleary

“You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis

Deborah “Debbi” Kay Cleary, of Crystal Lake, passed away surrounded by her family, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and endless encouragement. A devoted wife to Patrick Cleary for 50 years, she was the heart of her family, mother to three boys—Patrick (Kelly), Sean (Amber), and Kevin (Melissa)—and proud Nana to Addison, Makena, Mylah, Colin, Campbell, Dashiell and Emerson. She was also a beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews, each of whom felt like her favorite.

Debbi was predeceased by her parents, Patricia and Richard, and her brother Dennis. She is survived by her sister Pam and her brothers Bob, Steve, Mark, and Tim.

Debbi spent her life making people feel seen, heard, and loved. A lifelong member of the Crystal Lake community, she built deep friendships that became like family. Her impact reached far beyond her own home. As area director of the Irish Children’s Fund, she helped bridge divides by bringing children from Northern Ireland to the United States, fostering understanding across religious and political lines, and serving as an American Mum to many over the years.

Proving that dreams have no expiration date, Debbi pursued her passion for education later in life, earning her degree in Special Education from NIU in 1995, followed by two Master’s degrees. She served in various roles at the Annex and Prairie Ridge High School before becoming Director of Special Education for District 155. Among her proudest achievements was establishing the Harbor Oaks Campus, an alternative learning program focused on restorative and trauma-sensitive approaches to help every student succeed. Her heart was in that work, and she served as the program’s director until her retirement.

Retirement never slowed her down. Debbi loved traveling with friends, became a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer, speaking up for children in need, and finally indulged a lifelong passion for art. What started as a hobby became a true talent as she embraced the arts with the same energy and curiosity she brought to everything in life. Her home and heart became a gallery of her creativity, and her greatest joy was sharing her passions and time with her grandchildren—taking them on adventures, cheering from the sidelines, teaching life lessons, and filling their lives with laughter and love.

Debbi’s gift was making everyone she met feel like the most important person in the room. Her warmth, generosity, and unstoppable spirit will be missed by the countless people whose lives she touched.

A wake will be held at Davenport Funeral Home Sunday, August 10th from 1-5PM, with a funeral mass at St. Thomas the Apostle in Crystal Lake on Monday, August 11th, at 10AM. 

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) in honor of her many family members who have been affected by diabetes.