Deborah Sue Clabaugh Messier

Deborah Sue Clabaugh Messier, 55, of Goshen, passed away following an unexpected stroke on Monday, Nov. 7, 2022, at Fort Wayne Lutheran Hospital.

Deborah was a fighter and recently celebrated her 1-year anniversary of being cancer free. Anyone who knew Deborah was impacted by her joyful and kindhearted soul.

She was born on September 26, 1967, in Charleston, West Virginia, to George and Drenda Sue Coleman. She had three siblings, John “Bub” (Susan) Coleman of Elkhart, Douglas Coleman of Fairmont and Craig Coleman of Goshen. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. Her family relocated to Elkhart, Indiana, at a young age and she grew up there.  She was preceded in death by her father and several aunts and uncles.

She is survived by her adoring husband and soulmate, Brian Messier, with whom she recently celebrated 27 years of marriage; two biological children, Lucas (Chelsea) Saleh, of New Paris and Drenda (Christopher) Lengacher, of Middlebury; two additional children, Anthony and Christian Saleh; six grandchildren, Kambrea, Bryson, Adelynn, Zander, Brielle and Lyndi. They were the light of her world and the fire in her soul, they called her “Nana” and will miss her terribly. She was so proud of all of her family.

Deborah spent her career serving others as she ran her own daycare for nearly 25 years.  She found great purpose in caring for children and it was her life’s work creating a safe environment for children as they grew up. She had around 125 children in her care over the course of her career. Her impact was felt deep and wide with many of those children and families staying in contact well past the time they were in her daycare.

Deborah found joy in the simplest of things; time with family, the Christmas season, watching a good movie or shopping on Amazon. She was known to be extremely generous to those around her. Her home was always warm and welcoming as she was a “bonus” mom to so many. She really was a light to this world.

Deborah will be celebrated at a private ceremony with her friends and family. Her family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation to support those who put up the good fight against Breast Cancer or Bashor Children’s Home in support of those who advocate for children. May her memory live on in simple ways, through small acts of love, and time well spent with family.