Deborah S. Lea

Deborah Swain Lea, 71, passed away on Monday, June 19, 2023. She is survived by her four biological children: Ethan, Erin Lea Morrissey (Bob), Jason (Jennifer), and Josh (José); her grandchildren: Ian, Brooklyn, Talia, Everett, and Quinn; as well as many who loved her and whom she loved as her own. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Barbara (Ainsworth) Swain. Deb was born on Oct. 16, 1951, and grew up in Burton Village. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Baldwin Wallace College and a master’s in psychology from Cleveland State University. She was a dedicated school psychologist in the Garfield Heights School District until she retired in 2017, and a scholarship in her honor is awarded there annually. Deb was a lifelong, faithful member of the Church of the Blessed Hope in Chesterland, where she helped oversee its Good Samaritan Fund and traveled on numerous mission trips to Jamaica and South Africa. Regardless of her role, she believed in the power of deeds – a conviction only mattered as much as one was willing to act on them. Deb was a force of nature, selflessly acting on her faith and values, shaping the lives of youth for many generations.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Church of the Blessed Hope’s Mission Committee,  PO Box 853, Chesterland, Ohio 44026, or the Deborah Lea Scholarship Fund, PO Box 1275, Middlefield, Ohio 44062. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 5 to 7 pm on Friday, June 30, 2023, at Sly Family Funeral Home, 15670 W. High Street. Middlefield, Ohio. There will be a brief graveside service at 11 am on Saturday, July 1, at Slitor Cemetery in Burton, 16297 Claridon Troy Road Burton, OH. 

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