Debbie Sue Hayes

Debbie Sue Hayes, a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on the 14th of April 2023, in Columbia, Maryland. She was born on the 4th of January 1955, in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, to the late Gerald "Gib" Hayes and Pauline Hayes.

Debbie was a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied Dental Hygiene. Her passion for helping others led her to a fulfilling and successful career in her chosen field. She was known for her exceptional patient care and for creating an inviting and comfortable atmosphere that put her patients at ease.

Debbie's love for music, film, and fun brought joy to her life. Growing up, she cherished the times spent at the drive-in movies close to her home and watching Saturday Night Live with her sister. As a young professional, Debbie enjoyed spending Friday nights out with friends.

Debbie was a dedicated mother to her two children, Brian Wisniewski and Kristen Rub, and a doting grandmother to her four grandchildren, Ava Wisniewski, Justin Strickland, Preston Rub, and Hudson Rub. Her love for her family knew no bounds.

She had a special bond with her siblings, Beverly Gazmen and Gerald Hayes Jr. They shared countless moments of laughter, love, and support, and their sibling bond remained strong throughout their lives. Debbie also had a close relationship with her nieces and nephew Paula Smith, John V. Gazmen, and Jill Hayes, who will remember her as an encouraging and caring aunt.

Debbie's loving and kind nature extended to her friends and neighbors. Her home was a welcoming haven for all, and some of her favorite memories were the neighborhood block parties, where friends and neighbors came together to celebrate and enjoy each other's company. Debbie's warmth and generosity will be remembered fondly by all who knew her.

Debbie's courageous spirit was evident in the way she faced life's challenges. She was a beacon of strength and resilience, inspiring those around her to be brave and to persevere through difficult times. Her legacy of love, courage, and kindness will live on in the hearts and minds of her family and friends.

Debbie Sue Hayes is preceded in death by her brother, Gerald G. Hayes Jr.  Surviving are her two children Brian Wisniewski (spouse Shanna Wisniewski) and Kristen Rub (spouse Philip Rub); sister, Beverly Gazmen; four grandchildren, Ava Wisniewski, Justin Strickland, Preston Rub, and Hudson Rub; two nieces, Paula Smith and Jill Hayes; nephew, John V. Gazmen; and a host of other relatives and friends who will cherish her memory.

Please join the family for a celebration of Debbie's life, which will be held Sunday, April 30, 2023, at Harry H. Witzke's Family Funeral Home, 4112 Old Columbia Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21043. Visitation and gathering of friends from 11am- 1pm. Memorial service beginning at 1pm. Take a moment to remember the special times you shared with Debbie, and let her memory bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Debbie's memory to The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, as a testament to her fighting spirit and to honor her strength.

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