Deborah (Debbie) Lynn Rafferty Giudice

Deborah (Debbie) Lynn Rafferty Giudice, daughter of Mary T. and George A. Rafferty, Sr. a phenomenal wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and cherished friend died at Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida on April 11, 2024, surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with cancer. Debbie grew up in Gainesville, Florida, the youngest of five siblings. She graduated from Gainesville High School and attended Auburn University before completing her studies and graduating from the University of Florida. She was the consummate mother, caregiver and homemaker focused on raising her children and spreading her unique sparkle with all who were lucky enough to cross her path. It was impossible to not be happy in her presence – she had that effect on everyone. Always looking for the positive and caring about others was her way in life. One of her favorite phrases was happiness is a choice, choose wisely. She was the balance on family trips, often deviating from the carefully planned itineraries for fun adventures at the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade in NYC, traversing the rainforest in Puerto Rico or whale watching from the Golden Gate Bridge. She never missed the kids' dance recitals or basketball games. “DeeDee’s” adoration of her grandchildren meant a special silver Christmas ornament each year to finding that perfect birthday present to hosting fun-filled sleepovers. She was their angel and their light and loved them all beyond measure. The creative side of Debbie began to shine when she discovered a knack for finding discarded treasures, researching their value and selling them, transforming a hobby into a successful business. Debbie was fiercely loyal to her family and friends and the warmth of her love was felt in the many messages, calls and unexpected gifts that might surprise and brighten your day. She always saw the best in others, no matter the circumstance. Her kindness and caring inspired others to have a positive outlook. She is survived by her high school sweetheart and husband of nearly 42 years William A. Giudice, daughter and two sons Brittany (Joe) Knippel, Michael (Kristin) Giudice and Drew (Kara) Giudice. The loves of her life were her seven grandchildren Emma, Jack and Lila Knippel, Anna Lynn, Alice and Will Giudice and Palmer Giudice. Debbie is also survived by her parents, Mary and George Rafferty, Sr., siblings Sandy (Rick) Rucker, George (Laura) Rafferty, Jr. and Theresa Stevens. She was preceded in death by sister Patricia (Vernon) McDaniell. Debbie and her love were a blessing that will be with us always. Love does not die, only our frail bodies. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation www.Moffitt.org/donate or the Tallahassee Memorial Cancer Center through the TMH Foundation, www.tmh.org/tmh-foundation/donate. The family will receive friends from 3:00PM until 5:00PM on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at Bevis Funeral Home, 200 John Knox Road in Tallahassee. The Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00AM on Monday, April 22, 2024, at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 4665 Thomasville Road in Tallahassee, with a reception immediately following in the Church Community Center. The interment will be at Roselawn Cemetery. Rocky Bevis and Kelly Barber of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) are assisting the Giudice family with their arrangements.

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Deborah (Debbie) Lynn Rafferty Giudice

November 6, 1959 - April 11, 2024