Debra "Debbie" Ames

Mass of Christian Burial for Debra "Debbie" Ames, 67, of Canton will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 1:00 pm with Father Bryan Stitt, celebrating. Calling hours for Debbie will be held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the O'Leary Funeral Home, Canton. Debbie died on Friday, October 17, 2025 at the Rochester General Hospital, where she was surrounded by the love and support of her family.

Debbie was born January 8, 1958 in Canton, a daughter of the late Charles Jr. and Mary (Newcombe) Ames. She graduated from Canton Central School in 1977, and began her career with Canton ATC, now SUNY Canton first working in Chaney Dining Hall and later, the famous "Deb's Corner", where she served thousands of students and faculty building many lifelong friendships before retiring in 2021.

Debbie was a 28 year member, past President, Vice President, Jr. Vice President and Trustee of the Canton VFW Post 1231 Auxiliary, where she volunteered innumerable hours, she especially enjoyed organizing youth events like the annual Christmas party and going to the schools every year on Flag Day to celebrate with the Kindergartners and listen to them recite The Pledge of Allegiance. She was a proud supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project, took part in many Edward I. Moses Walk/Runs For Life, as well as numerous other fundraising activities. In her younger days she enjoyed playing darts in a dart league and pickup volleyball games, she attended every ATC/ SUNY Canton Hockey game, followed the sports of all of her nieces and nephews, even when they became coaches themselves. Debbie's favorite and most cherished time was spent with family, she treated all the nieces and nephews as though they were her own children, she didn't miss a birthday or any family event. She loved the holidays as they brought everyone together and would start Christmas prep for the next year on December 26th. Her generosity was unmatched as she would often go without in order to spoil her family.  As she spent her final days in the hospital, cousins drove from hours away, just to be by her side just as she would have done for them.

Debbie is survived by a sister, Liz (Bill) Thomas, brother Larry "Opey" (Lynn) Ames, nieces and nephews, Karson (Johnielle) Thomas, Kurt (Kate) Thomas, Tori Thomas (Adam Lawrence), Tyler (Taylor) Thomas, Charles (Desiree) Ames, Austin Ames and Logan Ames, very special great-nieces and nephews Kyle, Myla, Kollin, Kinsley, Kari, Link, Layla, Harper Mary, Malia, Charlie and Bella. She is also survived by aunts, uncles, and cousins who she would have done anything for,

Contributions in her memory may be made to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306 or online at t2t.org, Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516, online at woundedwarriorproject.org or to the St. Lawrence County Cancer Fund, P.O. Box 291 Canton, NY 13617 or online at walkrunforlife.com.

Memories and condolences may be shared online with Debbie's family at www.olearyfuneralservice.com. Arrangements for Debra "Debbie" Ames are under the care of the O'Leary Funeral Service of Canton.

Tunnel The Towers Foundation
2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island NY 10306
Web: http://t2t.org

Wounded Warrior Project
7020 A.C. Skinner Parkway, Suite 100, Jacksonville FL 32256
Tel: 1-877-832-6997
Web: http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/