Debra K. (Klaassen) Sage

Message from Linda Huls

Dr. Sage & family~ I am so very sorry to hear about Deb's death. Praying God's comfort and strength to you all now and in the days ahead. I will continue to keep you in my prayers.
Linda Huls

Message from Chuck and Gale Miller

Dear Joe,
We remember you, Debbie, and the girls from our Marywood Academy days years ago and were saddened to see in the Press that Debbie recently passed away. We're so sorry for your loss and extend our deepest sympathies to all of you. May God bring His comfort and peace to your sorrowing hearts. With condolences, Chuck and Gale Miller

A candle was lit by carole tolan on March 10, 2017 12:56 PM

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Dear Dr Sage and Daughhters iam so sorry to hear that Debra pass away she was a wonderful person and we all love working with her on 3 tower.may our Lord give you comfort and peace at this time,

Message from Mary Willey Cunningham

My deepest sympathies. I worked with Deb when she was the Diabetes Educator at Metro. She and I attended many conferences and meetings together. She was a fantastic educator and a wonderful person.

A candle was lit by Mary Willey Cunningham on March 9, 2017 12:31 PM

Message from Deb and Dan Dillon

Joe,
We are so sorry for your loss Deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Message from Kalamazoo MI

I'm so sorry to hear of Deb's passing. I had the privilege of working with her within the MI branch of the American Association of Diabetes Educators. Her passion was obvious from the first time meeting her. Her knowledge and skills were a blessing to those of us trying to follow in her footsteps. She will be greatly missed but take comfort in knowing her legacy will live on - in all of the CDE's she worked with and trained! Prayers and hugs to all of her family and friends during this difficult time.

Message from Katrina Farley

My heart goes to the entire family. Deb was a brilliant nurse and such a kind person. Thank you for sharing her with the entire Spectrum family.

A candle was lit by Katrina Farley on March 8, 2017 8:45 PM

Message from Lani Destree

I am so deeply sad to hear Deb has left us and her dear family. I knew Deb as a colleague and as a diabetes educator. Deb was one of the early leaders in achieving The Joint Commission Disease Specific Certification for Advanced Inpatient Diabetes at her hospital and initiating the use of an computerized IV insulin protocol. She was very generous with her time helping those of us trying to achieve the same goals for better patient care. Since I am a Grand Rapids native and lived in Grand Haven, we had a lot in common and I dearly enjoyed the time we spent talking about the beauty of Michigan, the Lake and the joy of her family. She will be remembered always and missed for her kind heart and willingness to share her knowledge. May God provide you comfort at this time of loss. With deepest sympathy.

Message from Lynn Kihm

My heart is so sad for your loss. Deb was such a great diabetes educator and she was such a wonderful mentor to me. She will be missed. Sincerely, Lynn

Message from Coran Sue @ Susie

DON @ JOYCE sorry for your loss sending prayers to you and family

Message from Jim and Sue Sheffield

Joyce, Don and family.....51 years ago we met when we all moved to Traverse City, How time flies...I was so sorry to read about Debbie. You are in our prayers!!.

Message from Paul and Karen Gauthier

Joe, we are so sorry about Deb, just heard of her death today. We will send all of our positive energies your way as you deal with the loss of such a lovely lady.
Paul and Karen Gauthier

Message from Alisa Tudor-Kobza

Dr Sage I am so sorry for your loss!! You and your family are in my prayers!! I wanted to make is Sunday but I was out of town.

A candle was lit by Alisa Tudor-Kobza on March 7, 2017 5:15 PM

Message from EJ (Niemi) Simmons

I did not have the privilege of working with Deb but got to know her during our work lunches and on the trip to the Mich State/Mich football game when we had to tailgate in the car on the way,,,,
I hope the sadness is replaced soon with all the wonderful loving memories you have made.
My prayers to you, your daughters, and her entire family.
EJ

Message from EJ (Niemi) Simmons

I did not have the privilege of working with Deb but got to know her during our work lunches and on the trip to the Mich State/Mich football game when we had to tailgate in the car on the way,,,,
I hope the sadness is replaced soon with all the wonderful loving memories you have made.
My prayers to you, your daughters, and her entire family.
EJ

Message from Lody Zwarensteyn

Joe,Kate and Anne:

Please accept our most sincere condolences. Deb was a kind spirit who brought light and life. Her positive spirit made us feel welcome and valued. She will be missed, and our hearts go out to you.

Message from Carol Markiewicz

Dear Joe and Family, I was so saddened to hear of Deb's passing. Bill and I send our thoughts and prayers to you. Carol and Bill Markiewicz Gierke

Message from Michael and Teresa McCully

Joe, our deepest sympathy to you and your family. I so enjoyed working with Deb over the years and the contributions she made to healthcare over her career.

A candle was lit by Lisa Schuel-Phillips on March 6, 2017 4:02 PM

Message from Ann Dykema

So sad to hear of Debbie's passing. She was a joy to work with at Metro. My sympathy to all her loved ones. I will be praying for you.

Message from Pam Medendorp-Peck

It was an honor to have known Deb!! She had a kind and gracious spirit that was selfless. She made everyone feel valued and appreciated! She will be sorely missed!

A candle was lit by Pam Medendorp-Peck on March 5, 2017 11:06 PM

Message from Mary and Bill Passinault

Dear Joe, Kate and Anne,

You are in our hearts and prayers as you give your wife and mother back to God.
Her life was a beautiful one and we know your memories with her are most precious.
Our time with you while you girls were in school at Immaculate Heart of Mary was very dear, as her love and involvement there showed how close you were to her heart.
May you find comfort and peace in the days ahead.

A candle was lit by Shelli Wineland on March 5, 2017 6:17 PM

Message from Carol Grafford, RDN, CDE

I had the honor of serving with Deb on the Michigan Organization of Diabetes Educators state board of directors for several years. Deb served as President the term following mine. Deb was extremely knowledgeable and highly dedicated to our profession and to the good it could do in the world. May your grief pass swiftly; may fond memories linger long.

A candle was lit by Bonnie Weinrick on March 5, 2017 4:17 PM

Message from Bonnie Weinrick

I had the privilege of working with Deb at SH. Deb always had a smile and was such a joy to work with. She has been and will forever be greatly missed.

A candle was lit by Judy Florido and Family on March 5, 2017 3:49 PM

Message from Keith and Sue Kloet

Keith and I were both shocked to read of Debs' passing. We will always remember her smile and her enthusiasm for nursing and her family. Our prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. May her memories help you.

A candle was lit by Eugene and Patty Soechtig on March 5, 2017 1:02 PM

Message from Eugene and Patty Soechtig

Dear Joe, Katie, and Annie,

We are so very sorry to learn of your loss.

Message from Amber Venema

One of the reasons I love serving so much is the relationships I get to make with my customers. Some of them are fun, we laugh and share quick stories. And then there are 'the Debs', the ones who leave footprints all over your heart and through the whole restaurant.. she passed away last night after a very brave battle with Pancreatic cancer. She always loved my bracelets and would touch them. One day, I made her one, hoping she would like it, and she did- she never took it off. A few weeks later she brought me a little gift bag and a card and she taught herself on YouTube how to make them! I am wearing the bracelet she made for me today and feel so blessed to have made such a sweet friend. Enjoy the sunshine sweet Deb ❤️❤️
Lots of love,
Amber Venema- waitress at Pine St Cafe

Message from Maggie Carriker

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I lived working with Deb. She was always such a joy! She will be missed.

Message from Laura Coe

Dr. Sage, Kate & Anne, I am so sorry to hear about Deb's passing. She was a wonderful person with a warm & kind heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

A candle was lit by Claudia & Vincent Pinto - Patagonia Lake, Arizona on March 5, 2017 10:22 AM

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While we are far and we have not met, we are deeply sharing your loss as we learned about Debra's passing from your dear friends Lana & Andrew Murch. To honor and celebrate Debra's life, we will plant a gorgeous Evergreen Tree at Raven's Nest Nature Sanctuary during Monsoon season, to benefit wildlife and the environment for future generations. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.

A candle was lit by Jim and Barb Caldwell on March 5, 2017 9:10 AM

A candle was lit by Jim and Caryn Carl on March 5, 2017 9:09 AM

A candle was lit by Molly Christians on March 5, 2017 9:09 AM

Message from Micki Juip

I was shocked to learn of Deb's passing. She was such a loving, giving person. And a lot of fun! When she smiled, it was with her whole being, and it drew you in. I knew Deb from the Michigan Organization of Diabetes Educators - we were colleagues in that organization for many years. My heart goes out to her family, friends, professionals and all those that she helped throughout her life. A loss indeed.

Message from Judy Bouma Hambrick

Dear Joe, I was so sorry to read of the passing of your wife. My prayers are with you and your entire family.

A candle was lit by Marc and Barbi Sink on March 5, 2017 8:33 AM

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Dear Joe, Katie and Anne,

We are so sorry for your loss. As wife, mother and grandmother, her love, her lessons and her vitality live on in you. Be comforted by your memories . We will remember happily bumping into her from time to time and walking with her by the Lake in the summer sun.

Love, Marc and Barbi Sink

Message from Jayne McIntyre

Dr. Sage,Katie,and Anne. I am so very sorry for your loss, I can't imagine what you are going thru. We will keep your family in our prayers and rejoice with you that Debbie is in heaven. God bless your famile

A candle was lit by Deb Newman on March 5, 2017 12:31 AM

Message from Jesse & Beth kyser

You are all in out thought's and prayers. Sending much love to all ❤️

A candle was lit by Jesseand beth kyser on March 5, 2017 12:11 AM

Message from Linda Gabrielse

Dear Joe, Katie, Annie, and the rest of Debbie's family, my prayers are with you and will continue to be in the days ahead. Your wife,mom, sister, daughter and friend was such a dear, sweet, special person, and will be missed dearly. Love to all of you, Linda

Message from Melanie, RN 5 North

It was a pleasure to have cared for Deb during her courageous battle. You are in my prayers.

Message from Barb DeGennaro

Dr. Sage, and family. I am so sorry for your loss. I remember my mom speaking very highly of Debra when they worked together in the towers. I will keep you all in my prayers.

Message from Gary and Dotti Marsiglia

Dear Joe, Katie and Annie,
Our deepest sympathy to all of you at this very difficult time. We fondly remember Deb.

A candle was lit by Diane on March 4, 2017 10:43 PM

Message from Gary and Dotti Marsiglia

Dear Joe, Katie and Annie,
Our deepest sympathy to all of you at this very difficult time. We fondly remember Deb.

A candle was lit by Gary and Dotti Marsiglia on March 4, 2017 10:33 PM

Message from Dave and Becky Veltkamp

So sorry to hear of Deb's passing. After years of working with you, Dr. Sage and enjoying our get-togethers with you and Deb, we got to know and love her as well. She loved to talk about you girls, Katie and Annie, and was so very proud of you. She fought the good fight and will be missed by all of us. Prayers for peace and grace to you, her beloved family.

A candle was lit by Heather Bullard on March 4, 2017 10:01 PM

A candle was lit by Marcia on March 4, 2017 9:48 PM

Message from Marcia

Dear Joe, Kate, and Anne....sending heartfelt condolences and loving thoughts to you and all the family. Wonderful memories of Deb go back many years to the fun we had riding her motorcycle in the 60's, our side trip to Mexico in the 70's, and boating on the Bay. May your memories and her everlasting spirit help you all through this difficult time.
Love, Marcia

Message from Ann May

Dr. Sage, Kate, & Anne so sorry to hear your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Deb was a great nurse to work with and a very caring soul, I know her family meant the world to her. RIP Deb your work here is done.

A candle was lit by Corey Gossman-Jones on March 4, 2017 9:10 PM

A candle was lit by Ann May on March 4, 2017 9:06 PM

Message from Lisa McCann-Spry

Thinking of your family...I worked with Deb for many years and she was such a knowledgeable and valuable member of our team...she will be missed.

A candle was lit by Joellen and Chris Kyser on March 4, 2017 8:32 PM

Message from Rick Melahn & Steve Fupuis

Deb will always be the most beautiful soul I've ever known and the best bare boat captain in the BVI's!

We're toasting you with Pain Killers!

Love Rick & Steve

Message from Mareeka Spencer & Family

Our deepest condolences at this time. We pray that God continues to keep you all and give you strength not only at this time but for everyday going forward. With love!

A candle was lit by Kimberly Purtill on March 4, 2017 8:21 PM

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Dr. Sage and family,
I am saddened to hear of Deb's passing. I have many great memories of working with her. May your family find peace and please know that I am lifting you up in prayer. God bless.
Kimberly Ney Purtill

A candle was lit by Jack and Kim Morris on March 4, 2017 8:20 PM

A candle was lit by Rick Melahn & Steve Dupuis on March 4, 2017 8:17 PM

A candle was lit by Nancy and Bruce Babcock on March 4, 2017 8:14 PM

A candle was lit by Marla & Brad Rockwell on March 4, 2017 8:11 PM

Message from MaryEllen Hessel

Thinking of you and your family, Dr. Sage. A special, sweet and gentle soul. I enjoyed working with Deb.

Message from Ruth Ann and Jerry Gore

Our heart is boken with the news of Deb's passing. We had the honor of knowing her. Such a very sweet and gifted lady. I am so thankful she shared her life with us. Our deepest sympathies to Joe and family. So many fond and beautiful memories of Deb. She will be greatly missed by so many.

Message from Rich & Mary Marod

Our condolences to the entire Klaassen family for the loss of your Debra. I did not have the pleasure of knowing her, but have great respect for her family. So sorry for your loss, it sounds like she was a very caring and wonderful person dedicated to serving and helping others.

Rich & Mary Marod Grand Haven/Venice FL

Message from Susi Wals

Joe,Katie,and Annie, I am so sorry in hearing the loss of your wife and mom. after working with her for many years I know how much she loved you all. You will be in my thoughts and prayers now and in weeks and months to come. I am in Florida so will be unable to come to see you. Sorry again to hear.. Love Susi.

Message from Barbar Bol

So sorry for your loss. We were not close, but I understand from people she worked with that she was a wonderful person. God bless you as you go through this difficult time.

A candle was lit by Rich & Beth Weersma on March 4, 2017 7:16 PM

Message from susi wals

Joe, Katie and Anne ... my heart breaks for your family in the loss of Deb your wife and mom. I know in working with her for years how much she loved all of you so. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I would have come to see you at visitation but I am in Florida currently. Please know I will continue to lift you all up in prayer in weeks and months to come. Love. Susi Wals

Message from Mary Fuller

I'm heartbroken to hear of Deb's passing. She was a highly respected member of the Spectrum Health family, and I feel privileged to have known her. She was a lovely, caring, warm person who always brightened my day.

My Sincerest Condolences,
Mary Fuller

Message from Stephen Essenburg

I worked with Deb at Spectrum Health. She was a wealth of knowledge about diabetes, and she loved sharing it. She was a lovely lady who always had a smile on her face. I can still hear her laugh. My condolences to her family.

Message from Jennifer Cory

I am so very sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Deb was a wonderful women and will be greatly missed

A candle was lit by Stephen Essenburg on March 4, 2017 6:42 PM

Message from Nicole Woolsey (Mickam)

I am so very sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers.

Message from Janelle and Ray

With deepest sympathy, you'll be in our hearts always

A candle was lit by Janelle and Ray on March 4, 2017 6:08 PM