Debra Anne Mccain

Debra Anne McCain was born on November 20, 1953 to Robert and Helen McCain in St. Louis, MO. She departed this life to be reunited with her beloved son Cliff, (1983-2010) on February 15, 2023 at the age of 69 years. Debbie was a 1972 graduate of St. Dominic’s High School in O’Fallon, MO. She later attended St. Louis Community College - Florissant Valley, to earn two associates degrees; one in human services and one in chemical dependency.

In 1979 she was united in marriage to Paul Joseph Bruck (Victoria) for ten years and to this union, their two sons were born; Nicholas (Amy), and Cliff (Ashley Bruck-Holder). Debbie and Paul, along with his wife Victoria, co-parented and co-grandparented beautifully, coherently, and seamlessly. They were all dedicated to Cliff, Nick, Amy, Isabelle and Bryce, and Victoria’s daughter Geneva.

Debbie’s childhood was spent with her 4 adored siblings and Blake family neighbors in the St. Louis area. The children spent their summers with their doting grandfather and grandmother; Vaughn and Florence Lewis, and favorite uncle, Don, at The Lake of the Ozarks. They would fish with Gramp (Vaughn) and Dudley (Don) in a John boat and listen to their stories of Old Linn Creek (before the construction of Bagnell Dam), living through The Great Depression, and the bootleggers of the lake area. Gramp would even share tales of his two grandfathers who fought for different sides in the Civil War. Debbie was mesmerized by Gramp and Dudley and fascinated by their stories, The Lake of the Ozarks, and her time spent in nature fishing and swimming.

Debbie moved permanently to the Lake in 1995 and built a home on the water, just up the hill from Gramp’s home, for her and the boys. Nick and Cliff enjoyed their life on the lake, fishing with Gramp and hearing the same amazing stories their mom grew up hearing. Isabelle and Bryce have also experienced that same richness in experience with Debbie and Gramp being pivotal members in their childhood.

Deb spent countless hours sponsoring fellow AA members, counseling drug addicts, allowing addicts to even live with her while getting back on their feet, and taking in any animal that ever crossed her path (domesticated and sometimes wild). It was this love and devotion to others and the tumultuous times in her life that led her down the path to her deep understanding of life, of what is truly important and connected her to God in the most powerful way. Her spirituality was profound, her connection to her creator, steadfast. Her commitment to her family was unmatched.

Debbie’s ideal use of time was sitting on the porch, drinking coffee with her family, while overlooking the water she’d grown up fondly enjoying. She also enjoyed reading, writing, studying The Bible, watching ghost stories, Naked and Afraid, and mysteries on tv, playing scrabble with her siblings, arguing about politics and religion, working outside, caring for her chickens, holding her mean cat, shopping for deals at Bear Market, and spending time with her family. She loved to watch Isabelle cheer and pole vault and was so proud of her excellent grades. She loved to watch Bryce play football and baseball, draw, build, play piano and violin. She was so proud of his advanced artist abilities. Debbie also saw one of her life-long dreams come to fruition by becoming a published author. Her memoir, “A Squirrel’s Sanctuary” was published in 2020 and in her words is a “story of one woman’s journey from poverty, to addiction, through recovery, and onward toward spiritual enlightenment.”

Debbie did power through abuse, addiction, poverty, illness, loss and somehow, miraculously pieced herself back together after the devastating loss of her son. She was tougher than anyone we knew. She was a three-time cancer survivor, having fought stage four breast cancer, skin cancer and uterine cancer. She powered through illness, back trouble, biopsies, pain and eventually lost both kidneys, fought through dialysis, and finally succumbed to a stroke, but not for lack of fighting. She held on long enough to give her family their goodbyes and slipped out on her terms with dignity, in the solitude and quiet of the night at Lake Regional Health System. Cliff came swiftly for his Mammy like we all prayed he would.

There has never been anyone quite like Deb who was more in tune with what truly matters and who made her life about helping others, especially her sons, daughters in law, and two grandchildren. Debbie was ardently devoted to her grandchildren and gave them love, wisdom, stories and memories they will cherish their entire lives and pass on to their own children.

Deb is survived by her family: son Nicholas and wife Amy, grandchildren: Isabelle and Bryce, her siblings: Vaughn (Sandy), Robert, Patrick and Cynthia (Dan), Paul Bruck, nieces and nephews: Ryan McCain, Katie Robinson, Jacob McCain, Nelani McCain, bonus daughter, Geneva Moore, daughter in law, Ashley Bruck-Holder, honorary granddaughters: Ava and Adley McKee, a host of other relatives and friends. Finally, she is survived by devoted childhood neighbor and high school sweetheart, whom she reconnected with nine years ago, Ronald Blake. Ron has been an essential person in her life since she was 4 years old, but has been a dedicated companion, Grandpa and caregiver for the last 9 years.

Deb was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts, “sister wife” Victoria Bruck, sister in law, Peg McCain, and son Clifford Vaughn Bruck. She never feared death because she trusts in her Father’s incomprehensible love and knew Cliffy and Gramp would come to take her home. Deb always said, “Heaven is comfort; this is Earth”.

Debbie’s love was vast, nonjudgmental and all encompassing, her wisdom was immense, her honesty was pure and sometimes biting, her clever and quick-witted sense of humor was overflowing with sass (and sometimes profanity), her laugh was infectious, and her temper was hot; her fuse sometimes very short. Her influence on those lucky enough to know and love her is truly indelible.

Special gratitude to Ron Blake needs to be expressed for his gentle and unwavering care and support during her recent illnesses. Isabelle and Bryce thank you for taking care of Grandma and love you so much, Grandpa. We are grateful you are ours.

Per Debbie’s request, there will be no fuss, fanfare or funeral. A private, family celebration of life will be held in the spring, at her favorite fishing spot.