Funeral Details

Deborah "Debbie" Lou Favus passed away on June 5, 2023 at the age of 74. Although small in size, her stature was no match for her big personality and heart. Debbie was born in Peoria, and attended Von Steuben Elementary and Woodruff High School, where she eventually returned to teach special education for thirteen years. She loved and was devoted to Peoria and lived there much of her life, until she moved to Highland Park, IL after retirement to be closer to her family. Debbie taught special education for nearly twenty years in and around Peoria. She was a tireless and devoted teacher and advocate and loved her students and colleagues. She said teaching at the high school where she'd attended was a gift. Debbie loved her family and friends, including many canines. She was an enthusiast of rock and blues music; was a TV, movie and pop culture buff; and a political and news junkie. She was a consummate antique, flea market and bargain hunter; loved to cook and eat out; and enjoyed hitting the open road on many journeys to and from Chicago to visit family. She was the ultimate conversationalist and enthusiastically shared stories with her family and friends. She loved celebrations and never forgot a birthday. She had an amazing memory, including details about her childhood in Peoria.
Debbie was a beloved daughter of the late Joseph and Beatrice "Billie" Favus, a loving sister of Judy Chiss (Bernie Cohen), Shelley (Eric) Spielman, late half-sister Barbara Mitchell and late brother-in-law Jerry Chiss. She was an adoring aunt to Daniel (Lisa) Chiss, Adam (Rachel) Chiss, Alexandra (Sean) Akaks, Rachel Spielman (Nikolaj Lollike), and Mark (Marcene) Mitchell; a doting great aunt to Leah, Jacob, Jonah, Owen, Olivia, and Eden; a dear cousin to dozens living near and far away; and a loyal friend to many. Debbie bravely endured a lengthy illness with scleroderma but maintained her independence and lived at home until her death. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Scleroderma Research Foundation, www.srfcure.org or to the Southern Poverty Law Center, www.splcenter.org. Service Friday 11AM at Congregation Sukkat Shalom, 1001 Central Ave., Wilmette,IL and Graveside service Sunday 11AM at Peoria Hebrew Cemetery, 2807 W. Heading Ave., West Peoria, IL. To attend the funeral service via livestream, please visit our website. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals-Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com