Debra Yusko Funeral Mass

We’re here this morning to honor Debby — Debra Ann Yusko — beloved wife, mother, Mimi, sister, daughter, coworker, and friend. A woman of faith and love in all aspects of her life, gone from us much sooner than we would’ve wanted.

At times like this, it can be hard not to question God, and maybe even become angry and turn away from faith. But that’s a trap, a temptation. I know it’s hard, but don’t do that. Debby would be the first to tell you that. It only leads to darkness and despair. And we are called to be people of faith, to trust in God’s plan — even // and maybe especially // when it’s hard to understand.

For those who know Debby well, it’s no surprise that her fingerprints are all over the readings we just heard. They spoke toher, and they speak forher. In our reading from Proverbs, “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and laughs at the days to come.” “The woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Let her deeds praise her at the city gates.”

Paul tells the Romans that we have nothing to fear because nothing can separate us from the love of God through Christ, our Lord and Savior. And finally we hear Jesus tell us in our Gospel, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” I’m going ahead to prepare a place for you. These are words of comfort — words Debby chose especially for us on this day, that we might be at peace.

On days like this, my thoughts come back to the words we hear as we receive ashes at the beginning of Lent. “Remember that thou art dust, and unto dust thou shall return.” Because the fact is, whether nine years or ninety, in the eternity of the cosmos our earthly lives are short. We’re on a clock, and we’re called to make the most our time here — to live out our faith and make the world a better place.

Truly Debby did that to the max. It’s who she was. In the four-plus decades I was blessed to know her, Debby always walked with the Lord — a woman of faith and loving joy. I’m sure there were times of doubt, but they had to be fleeting. Because Debby KNEW in the depths of her soul the truth of God’s love and the eternal salvation waiting for us.

Throughout her life, Debby worked hard to share that gift of faith — to bring others to Christ, not by her words so much as by the example of her life and her love. I know that I’m a better Christian, a better Catholic, and a better man because of Debby and her life. And if you can’t say that you too are a better person for having known Debby, I’ll just say I’m sorry you weren’t blessed to have known her better.

It’s okay to be sad today, to mourn the loss of someone we know and love. But mourn for us, certainly not for Debby. Because she’d be the first to tell you that today should be a day for celebration— celebration of a life well lived, of our love for one another, and of the fulfillment of Christ’s promise for Debby and for each one of us. We’re here today to honor Debby. And the best way to do that is to go forth in joy and peace and strive to live up to her example and hope for each of us — to live the life she would wish for us. That would be her prayer, and the most fitting legacy and honor we can give to her.