Racine – Debbie Dawdy, age 72, passed away peacefully at Parkview Gardens on August 19, 2026. She was born on July 3, 1954, in Milaca, MN to parents William and Beverly (nee. Quimby) Williams. Debbie spent her early childhood in Minnesota, before her family moved to Palmyra.
After achieving her master’s degree, Debbie worked for many years as an administrative assistant for UW Parkside. One of Debbie’s great loves was coffee and considered herself a coffee connoisseur. She enjoyed sampling many different coffees and giving it to family and friends as gifts. Debbie could also be found reading a good book, with her favorite authors being Stephen King and James Patterson. She was known to have many cats over her life and loved all of them. More than anything, spending time with her family is what she treasured the most. Debbie will be remembered as a loving mom, grandma, and sister. She will be dearly missed.
Debbie is survived by her children, Derek (Stephanie) Dawdy and Danielle Mooney; grandsons, Caleb and Henry Dawdy; granddaughter, Madelyn Mooney; and sister, Lynn Bednarek; niece and nephew; Jennifer and Joseph.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Jo Marie Williams; and dear friend, Cheryl Sigrist.
A Celebration of Debbie’s Life will be held at the Strouf Funeral Home, 1001 High Street, Racine, WI, on Friday, August 28, 2026 from 5:00-7:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Wisconsin Humane Society are appreciated.
I had the joy of spending some time together with Debbie. The coffee would flow, as well as the the conversations. A beautiful women,and a beautiful person.
Derek and Danielle,
Pleaze know my thoughts and prayers are with both of you.
They did not leave your life,
I just moved them.
god.
My late husband, Jim and I, were dear friends of Debbie’s parents and watched her grow up in Palmyra. She was a quiet girl with a delightful droll sense of humor. My deepest sympathy goes to her children, grandchildren, and her sister Lynn. God’s peace go with you.