Debra McDermott

Debra McDermott, 70, of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away Friday, November 26, 2021, at Atlantic Specialty Care.

Debra Jane was born on June 22, 1951, in Cedar Falls, Iowa, the daughter of Glenn E. and Mary Jane (Schwandt) Holmes. She grew up in Cedar Falls and reminisced about the many camping trips they took as a family. Debra graduated from Northern University High School in Cedar Falls, and following graduation, she attended Simpson College.

On August 26, 1972, she was united in marriage to John McDermott. The couple moved to Sioux City where she worked at a trucking company, Condon Motors. While living there they were blessed with two children, Mike and Melanie. In October of 1979, the family made Atlantic home. Debra worked at Larsen and Lowers Implement, Meader Distributing, Outfitters Plus and drove school bus.

She enjoyed camping, boating and sewing. Debra loved attending her children and grandchildren’s sporting events; keeping close tabs on everything they were doing. Debra was a member of the Xi Beta Phi sorority. She was an avid Iowa Hawkeye football fan and had the best seat in the house the day she passed away for their come from behind victory! FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT FOR IOWA! GO HAWKS!

In the early 90’s she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and was determined for it not to limit her. She continued attending sporting events, family gathering and her sorority meetings; which she thoroughly enjoyed. Debra was active in raising money for MS research; raising over $300,000 through one of the largest annual MS Auctions in the state of Iowa at the Fireside Lounge in Atlantic. The family wishes to extend a big thank you to Mark Foegen at the Fireside for all his support.

Debra is survived by her husband, John of Atlantic; children, Mike (Liz Reid) McDermott of Atlantic and Melanie (Justin) Gross of Winterset; special daughter, Mariana Freitas of Salvador, Brazil; grandchildren, Cooper and Callie McDermott, Willa and Hallie Reid, and Addison, Avery and Andrew Gross; sister, Doreen (Ed) Schellhase of Ankeny; step-mother, Freddie Holmes of Cedar Falls; mother-in-law, Mary Ann McDermott of Woodbury, MN; nieces and nephew, Michelle (Keith) Ervin of Oak Creek, WI, Jennifer (James) Buehner of Battle Creek, MI and Dan (Ashley) Schellhase of Ankeny; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Glenn and Mary Jane Holmes; father-in-law, John “Jack” McDermott; and brother-in-law, Michael S. McDermott.

A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 4, 2021, at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic. Visitation with the family present will he held prior to the service at the funeral home on Saturday, beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Immediately following the service, you are invited for lunch and fellowship at the Atlantic Golf and Country Club from noon - 2:30 p.m. All are encouraged to come to either or both of the gatherings.

Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Iowa and the Shriners Hospitals.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Debra’s family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.