Obituary for Debra Wright

Condolence From: Beth Bickford, Columbus, OH
Condolence: Dear family,
On behalf of the Board and staff of the Association of Ohio Health Commissioners, please accept our sincere condolences on the occasion of Deb's passing. We worked with her for many years! While we were aware of the recurrence of her cancer, we shared her hope that the latest treatment would resolve the problem, and were glad to see her most recently at the Spring Conference.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with you during this time.

Sincerely,
Beth Bickford, Executive Director, AOHC

Condolence From: Alyssa Grodhaus, Lancaster, OH
Condolence: I am deeply saddened to hear of Debbie's passing. Debbie was the Director of Nursing when I first started working at Franklin County Public Health and she was a true leader. Debbie was a wonderful person, very knowledgeable and truly a public health advocate. Debbie will be missed by many. Sending my condolences to Debbie's family.

Condolence From: Susan A Tilgner, Columbus, OH
Condolence: Thank you to Debbie for her service as a public health nurse, especially her time at Franklin County Public Health when I worked with her. I enjoyed her stories about her grandsons! Condolences to her family who will miss her the most.

Condolence From: Barbara Martens, Columbus, Ohio
Condolence: With deep sympathy, you are in my thoughts as is Debbie. She was a leader, mentor and friend to me when we worked together in Public Health. Barb

Condolence From: Radhika Iyer, Hilliard, Ohio
Condolence: My heart goes out to family and friends during this difficult time. Debbie was my boss for over 7 years during her time at Franklin County Public Health. She was a great boss, public health advocate and a friend. I looked up to her and respected her very much. I will miss her presence in my live very much. So glad to have known her. My deepest sympathies for your loss.

Condolence From: Sherry Smith, Canton/Stark/Richland, Ohio
Condolence: I cannot express how sad I was when I learnt of Debbie’s passing. I was a public health nurse colleague to Debbie for over 2 decades. She was both a valued colleague and a friend. My condolences to public health and especially to her family.

Condolence From: Margo Erme, New Franklin, OH
Condolence: My condolences to the family of Deb Wright. She was always so helpful with any committee work I was on at OPHA. Her experience, knowledge, and pleasantness will be missed.

Condolence From: David Maywhoor, Columbus, OH
Condolence: I came to OPHA in 2018 but had worked with the group for many years. My first encounter with Debbie was after I was hired to be the Executive Director. I knew I was in the presence of a person of intelligence, kindness and creativity. I saw her work to find common ground, not always middle ground, because as we have seen in the past few years, sometimes the middle ground is erased. In those moments when humans around her were dissembling, I found stable footing as she was always ready to figure it out, to find the best answer. And I found safety. Yes that's it, Debbie made me, and many others feel safe. We have lost a a mentor, a leader and a friend.

Condolence From: Michael and April Shampine, Dayton, OH
Condolence: We are so deeply saddened for your loss. Debbie was an amazing wife, mother, and grandmother and a true friend to everyone who has met her. She will be greatly missed. I wish we could be there in this time of sorrow. Please know we are only a phone call away if you need someone to talk to. Blessings to you and your family.
~The Shampine’s

Condolence From: Peter Denkowski, Johnstown, Ohio
Condolence: Debbie’s passion for public health was an anchor in my life. Her compassion, patience and gentle understanding were unique. She aided me in my journey of navigating my public health commitment in my retirement years. At the Awards Dinner on 4/25/23 she bought me a drink to thank me. I wished I had known back then it would be the last time I would see her, so I could have said more. She is greatly missed.

Condolence From: Katie Schultz, St paul, Mn
Condolence: My sincere condolences to Deb’s family for their loss.

Condolence From: Garrett Guillozet
Condolence: Debbie was not just a friend, but a true public health rockstar. She advocated for so many people and changed the lives of countless others. Her passion and dedication was unmatched. I owe a big portion of my PH career to her, and for that I'll always be grateful. My condolences to Mike, Matt, and Chris. May you find peace and understanding in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

Condolence From: Nancie Bechtel, Orient/Columbus, Ohio
Condolence: I knew Debbie as a caring and supportive colleague when I worked at Columbus Public Health and she was working at Franklin County Public Health. She was a nursing leader and a staunch public health advocate who truly cared about the residents she served in Franklin County. She was very kind to me and a role model for other public health nurse leaders across Ohio. My sincere condolences. Debbie’s leadership will be missed.