Deborah "Debbie" Leigh (Plant) Herdendorf, 74, of DeBary, Florida, passed away on January 7, 2026. She was born on January 22, 1951, in Springfield, Massachusetts, to Richard Dale and Shirley Mae (Carlson) Plant.

A woman defined by love, resilience, strength, and kindness, Debbie set a beautiful example for all who knew her. She loved openly and fiercely, always offering understanding and forgiveness. In 1969, she married her high school sweetheart, Richard, and together they built a life rooted in devotion, laughter, and unwavering support. They raised four daughters, instilling in them the values of love, strength, compassion, and acceptance. Debbie cherished being a mother and taught her girls that love comes in many forms, that kindness matters, and that judgment has no place when you do not know another person's journey.

Debbie's warmth extended beyond her family and into her work. She built a career in hospitality, managing restaurants before becoming a barista at Big Y World Class Market in Manchester, Connecticut. There, she delighted in crafting specialty drinks and forming genuine connections with her customers, many of whom became loyal regulars and friends. She was also a proud member of the Stafford Springs Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, where she contributed her time and care to her community.

Family adventures were among Debbie's greatest joys. She and Richard loved surprising their daughters with early morning road trips, the car packed to the brim and breakfast prepared for a roadside stop. From camping trips at Outdoor World in Connecticut to hiking trails, arts and crafts, and evenings spent making s'mores by the campfire, these moments became treasured memories that their daughters would carry for a lifetime.

After retiring, Debbie and Richard settled in Central Florida, where they enjoyed cruises and trips to the West Coast. Yet, the role Debbie cherished most was being Nana. She adored her seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, loving them "to the moon and beyond." Hosting family gatherings brought her immense happiness, filling her home with children, grandchildren, friends, and laughter. She also loved playing bingo, regularly found in the community center having fun with her friends in the retirement community. But one of her real favorite pastimes was cheering on her grandsons and great-grandsons as they played baseball.

Debbie is survived by her children, Dana (Ray) Lareau, Heidi (Stephen) Krcelich, Dawn (Brian) Herdendorf, and Jamie (Rob) Smith. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Sean (Kelsey) Cotton, Raymond (Shannon) Lareau, Nathan (Avery) Krcelich, Rylee (Draven) Krcelich, Lane (Josh) Smith, Preston Smith, and Scarlett Rhynhart. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren, Brayden Lareau, Jayce Lareau, Easton Lareau, and Korbin Krcelich. She is also lovingly remembered by her godson, Keith Allen Plant, Jr.; her niece, Bonnie Inserra; her two sisters, Ruth (Dean) Morehouse and Margarite "Margo" Davis; her sisters-in-law, Linda Ryan and Viola (Tony) Santos; and her brother-in-law, Donald (Sharon) Killinger; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews; and, of course, the many friends she made within her community, especially Tammy and Tony Cosman.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard L. Herdendorf, her father, Richard Dale Plant, her mother, Shirley Torres, and her brother, Keith Allen Plant, Sr.

A memorial service celebrating Debbie's life will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at First Baptist Sweetwater Church, located at 3800 Wekiva Springs Road in Longwood, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, Debbie's daughters ask that potted plants be given, to be shared with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and grown in her memory alongside them.