Deborah Marie Warshaw

Deborah Marie Lechtenberg Warshaw, 55, of Lake Charles left this world to be in a better place on Friday, December 12, 2014 surrounded by family in the comfort of her home. After a three year battle with cancer she is now with our Lord. Debbie was born December 27, 1958 in Lake Charles to Wendel and Therese Lechtenberg. She lived most of her life in Lake Charles. She graduated from McNeese in 1980 and worked for a period of time as a computer programmer in the area industries. Debbie was very active in her church community including teaching math at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic School, teaching CCD and Confirmation, as well as serving in the local ACTS community. Debbie married James Warshaw in 1986 and, after the birth of their first child, she became an active stay at home mom raising three children, Christopher, Jennifer and Michael. What she enjoyed most was being completely involved in their lives, their faith, and their education. She was the cornerstone of her family. Over the last three years, Debbie journeyed with Christ through her battle with cancer while inspiring others with her faith, strength, and courage. Throughout her life she loved, she laughed, she cared, she gave, and she shared. Her special joy was sharing her faith with many. She touched countless lives by her strong trust in God, her caring and compassionate nature, and her love of life. Debbie's positive and uplifting spirit will be missed by her family and her many friends. She is survived by her spouse, James (Jamie) Warshaw; her children, Christopher Warshaw and Allyson Barbary, Jennifer Dees and her husband Joseph, and Michael Warshaw; and her brothers and sisters and their spouses, Wejee Lechtenberg and wife Donna, Cathy Reon and husband A.J., Paul Lechtenberg and wife Carol, and Pat Lechtenberg and wife Pam; one grandchild, Hunter Dees, a blessing from God; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Debbie is preceded in death by her parents, W. J. (Lex) and Therese (Poupie) Lechtenberg. Debbie and her family would like to extend a special thanks to the many people who prayed for us along this journey. Our strength was found within these prayers. To all the medical personal who helped along the way, especially Dr. Nizar Tannir, MDA; Dr. Michael Broussard, LCM; and the Chemo Bay Girls at LCM. We want to say thank you for caring and giving of your time and talents during our journey. And to a special person, Melissa Leonards, we want to say thank you. You were always there to comfort, help and care for Debbie. She thought the world of you. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church 617 W. Claude Street, Lake Charles, LA 70605 or to Debbie's favorite school Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic School, 3908 Creole Street, Lake Charles, LA 70605. Funeral Services will be Tuesday, December 16that 11:00 am at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, 3939 Lake Street, Lake Charles, LA, 70605. Monsignor James Gaddy will officiate. Concelebrants will be Father John Huckaby, Father Rueben Buller, Father Derek Covert, Father Marcus Johnson and Father Nathan Long. Committal services will follow at Consolata Cemetery, 2300 Country Club Road, Lake Charles, LA 70605. Visitation Monday, December 15th will be from 4:00 until 8:00 pm with a Scripture service and rosary beginning at 7:00 pm at Johnson Funeral Home, 4321 Lake Street, Lake Charles, LA 70605.