Debra Lynn Hilke O'Donnell, 49, passed away peacefully in her home on December 22, 2023 with her husband Dan and daughter Meagan by her side.

Debbie Lynn is survived by her husband Dan O'Donnell, daughter Meagan Hilke, mother Barbara Hilke, sister Dawn (Matt) Naughton, brother Brad (Hayle) Hilke, nieces and nephews, and beloved friends and family far too numerous to count. She was the best wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend anyone could ask for.

Debbie attended Christ Prince of Peace and Pierremont Elementary schools, Parkway West Junior and Senior High Schools and graduated from Maryville University. She made life-long friends in each of those places.

Her ambition, determination, intelligence, focus, and sheer will to achieve her goals launched her to the top of the corporate ladder in record time, ultimately leading her to join forces with friend and former colleague Sara Paynter to start their own very successful real estate and relocation company, Desara Lane. She also worked diligently for the causes that meant so much to her, especially Five Acres Animal Shelter where she served as Board President for 2 years, chaired their fundraisers, and spent numerous hours volunteering. Debbie was a life-long athlete; playing soccer, participating in mud runs, and going on hikes with Dan and their dogs. She was a music lover like no other and attending concerts was one of her favorite activities, even seeing some of her favorite bands multiple times. She loved her dogs, making her home cozy and beautiful, and adored everything Fall. She treasured her travels to new places with family and friends, planning every detail to perfection, as only she could do. Every day was an adventure, and the journey with her was often the best part.

Nothing was more important to Debbie than her family and friends. She loved every one of them fully and fiercely. She was our rock, our guiding light, our constant cheerleader, and our inspiration. She embraced life like no one else and lived every moment to its fullest. Everyone fortunate enough to have been in her life was truly blessed by her kind, caring, generous spirit and unceasing zest for life. She was a truly rare special soul who lit up every room just by being in it. Having Debbie in your life made you want to be the best version of yourself possible. Her impact on those who were fortunate to know her will continue long after her death.

Services: Funeral Mass at Christ, Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 415 Weidman Rd., Manchester, MO 63011, Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Immediately following will be a celebration of life at Longview Farm, 13525 Clayton Rd., St. Louis, MO 63141. As a service of the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.