Debra (Debbie) Ann Gries

May 2, 1963-March 9, 2024

On March 9th, Debra A. Gries, ever a faithful servant, wife, mother, sister, and aunt was called to join her family in heaven.

Debbie will be missed beyond measure by her husband, Arnie, her children Natalie and bonus son Andrew, David, and Matthew; by her mother, Barbara Failla, her sister Claudine, brother-in-law, Mike and niece Kayla, her brother George Failla, Jr., sister in law Jennifer and nephew Jackson, her brother Anthony Failla, sister in law Sara, niece Sophia and nephew Dominic, in-laws Mary Catherine and Arnie Gries Sr., her sister in law Mary Kaye Cassidy, brother in law, Kevin, her nephews, Kevin Cassidy Jr., Chris Cassidy, Danny Cassidy and her niece Mary Kate Gray and husband Aaron and Great niece, Valerie and so many others in her extended family and friends who knew and loved her as family. We know she reunited and carries our love to those in her family we have lost like her sister Joanne Failla and nephew Tim Dunn.

We recognize what a true blessing Debbie was to so many whose lives she touched. She was intelligent, kind, and talented. A love of music shined brightly in clarinet and piano or in her steady alto harmony. She was often the peacemaker among fervent board game play with family or friends and enjoyed family trips in Ocean City, Myrtle Beach and a glorious

honeymoon in Cancun among other locales. She often knew the right way to do things and did not hesitate to share her knowledge. We always knew she intended to be there but had just a few more things to finish first… She frequently gathered with friends and in times of joy or providing comfort in times of sorrow.

Debbie received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1985 and was called professionally and personally to serve children and their families in pediatric oncology at Johns Hopkins that summer. It took immeasurable courage to serve there continuously for nearly 39 years, with a great physical and emotional toll. She precepted and trained other nurses and was an encyclopedia of institutional knowledge, a constant for any doctors or other staff as they joined the unit. We are most grateful that for so many years, other families got to have her comfort when they so needed it most. In her caring hands she witnessed many miracles and also offered great empathy in times of grief no family should endure.

We treasure most that she was always there for whatever anyone needed. In her final act of

service to others in critical need, she was able to act as an organ donor and spare more families the grief we feel at her absence. We can continue to honor her through acts of comfort for others such as a donation to Johns Hopkins Pediatric Oncology or to a fund that is being set up to support the Gries children.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 14, 2024, from 3-5 & 7-9 PM at Burrier-Queen Funeral Home & Crematory, P.A. 1212 West Old Liberty Road Sykesville, MD 21784 (Beside South Carroll High School).

Funeral Mass will be said at 10 AM on Friday, March 15, 2024, at Holy Family Catholic Church 9531 Liberty Road Randallstown, MD 21133.

Interment at Lake View Memorial Park.

Online condolences at www.Burrier-Queen.com.