Debra Sue Isaacs Land

Debra Sue Isaacs Land was a Hoosier through and through. She was born at Methodist Hospital on January 14, 1959 to the late Cecil Isaacs and Edith (Coyle) Isaacs, now Edith Fraley, as she is married to Debbie's stepfather, Fred Fraley. She grew up in Indy and attended Arsenal Technical High School. She graduated in 1977. She was employed in healthcare and served for many years at various Methodist Hospital facilities. She assisted medical teams as a secretary and she also cared for our community as an impressive first-try stick-in-the-arm phlebotomist at the blood bank.

Debbie met Jonathan Land in 1981 at a Halloween party. They were married September 25, 1982 at Holliday Park less than a year later. Debbie and Jon spent every possible moment together for the past 40 years. They were truly the best of friends.

As a mother, Debbie was a fearless defender and faithful champion of her family. She always stood up for and alongside her sons, Neil and Evan. From the classroom to the bowling alley and from the runners track to the bank, she was always there for them, full of joy and pride for these exemplary men who are a testament to her in themselves. As a mother-in-law to Jennifer, Neil's wife, she welcomed and loved her as her own. With her adult children, she was the ideal balance of respect and care; she respected them as fellow friends and adults and cared for them as tenderly and sacrificially as she would young children.

Debbie cherished time spent with friends and family. She enjoyed weekend anniversary trips with Jon, camping at Hardin Ridge Campground at Lake Monroe when her boys were growing up, houseboating trips with her sister and brother-in-law, Sandy and Elmer Cosgrove, and big family gatherings with her in-laws, the late Jerry Land and Janet Land Fota, who is now married to Andrew Fota, along with sister-in-law Jocetta Pierce and husband Dana, brother-in law Jeff Land and wife Kelly, brother-in law Justin Land and wife Brenda, and many loved nieces and nephews. Long walks were often enjoyed on the way to visit friends in the neighborhood, and beach walks during family trips to Florida were a special favorite. Debbie also devotedly cheered on the Colts with friends, including her "sister from another mother" and lifelong best friend, Rita Jack.

A renowned cook to all who knew her, Debbie's picture-perfect lasagna, spicy carbonara, savory roast beef, and tender pulled pork were just a few of her memorable meals. Her desserts, such as her triple chocolate cake or one of her cobblers, were on another level. She grew tomatoes in her garden and insisted that home grown was best. She often added the reminder to never ruin their taste by putting them in the fridge.

From the kitchen to the carpet and from the cozy covers to the open air, Papaw and Mamaw were the dream team to their four adoring grandchildren: Caleb, Elizabeth, Joshua, and Matthew Land. Mamaw Debbie wrapped them up in extra blankets to be sure no one was ever cold, made alligator race car tracks, explored in the creek, helped find rocks to be thrown into water, sparked giggles with her Donald Duck impersonations, stocked up their favorite snacks and treats, and showed that she knew them individually with every gift. These were just a few of the many ways she loved her grandchildren.

Although pain and progressive health issues kept her down more than she wanted during her last years, she continually poured out her love, serving and caring for her family as much as she could when they were together. In her final days, the Community South ICU team attentively and tenderly cared for her, for which the family is grateful. The immediate family is also deeply thankful for the tireless, loving help of Debbie's step sisters and nieces, Becky VanSlyke, Jeannie Bryson, Alycia Hampton, and Heather VanSlyke. To each family member or friend who came to the hospital, as well as each grandchild when they called her on the phone, Debbie lovingly and gently whispered, "I love you." Surrounded by family at her bedside, she transitioned peacefully into eternity on Thursday, January 20, 2022.

Debbie's family will receive friends Wednesday, January 26, 2022, from 11 am – 1 pm at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, 925 East Hanna Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46227. A celebration of her life will follow at 1 pm with Pastor Mark Ulrey (longtime friend and neighbor of Jon and Debbie) officiating. The family requests that all attendees wear masks. A committal service will be conducted at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, 910 North Morgantown Road, Greenwood, IN 46142. A reception will follow at the home of Neil and Jennifer Land.

At her request, Debbie's corneas were donated to give others the gift of improved eyesight. Please consider a donation, in her honor, to Donate Life Indiana at https://www.donatelifeindiana.org/how-to-help/make-a-financial-gift/.

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