Debra Lynn (Skeistaitis) Swihart, of Tampa, FL, died unexpectedly on Friday, November 16th, 2018.She was born in El Paso, TX on January 6, 1953. She was the daughter of Walter and Aldona (Yuodeska) Skeistaitis.Debra worked for many years in outbound sales and was a chef by trade. She was a chef at the University of Illinois, a talented cake decorator and the owner/operator of several restaurants over the years. She was an active member of the Champaign Urbana Junior Woman’s Club, holding the title of President for many years. Debra also had a love of the arts and directed a number of local plays.She especially loved the holidays and providing for underprivileged children through the Angel Tree adoptions. Shoe boxes for the soldiers is also something she enjoying donating her time to. Playing bridge and bingo were hobbies she enjoyed in her spare time. She leaves behind her 2 beloved daughters, Aldona Lisa Swihart and Amanda Lynn Swihart and her fiancé, Robert Thibault; a sister, Kathryn E. (Skeistaitis) Alexander and her husband, Robert E. Alexander; a brother, Walter J. Skeistaitis and his wife, Elizabeth Skeistaitis; a niece, Kerrie Maloney Laytin; 4 nephews, John Brian Maloney, Neal Maloney, Walter J. Skeistaitis, Jr, Christopher M. Skeistaitis; 3 grandchildren, Austin Lee Swihart, Makalya Leighann Santiago and Hunter Brennan Swihart; and one great-grandchild, Saphira Valerie Rodriguez. A private memorial celebration will be held in December to celebrate her life.
The family will have a private service at a later date.
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Heather Wetmore posted on 11/26/18
Lisa, Amanda, and family...I am so very sorry for your loss. I am still coming to terms with the reality of this myself and find it very hard to narrow my memory of Deb to one event. Your mom has been in my life for almost as long as I can remember. Middle School, prom, both graduations, and the birth of my children. Her talented baking skills graced more than one occassion and I am heartbroken it will not be one of her masterpieces at my wedding. She was filled with quirky stories that could bring tears of laughter, advice for just about every situaton, and a willingness to always help when she could. I know with the countless memories she has given us all, will always be here.