Debra S. Wolinsky

April 22, 1954 - May 18, 2020

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Sons of Abraham Cemetery

Montifore St.

Lafayette, IN 47905

Private Graveside

Debra S. Wolinsky, 66, of Indianapolis, passed away on Monday, May 18, 2020.

Born on April 22, 1954 in Ithaca, NY, Debbie graduated from West Lafayette High School in 1972, earned a B.S. from Indiana University in Education in 1976 and a M.S. from Butler University in 1978.

Throughout her lifetime, Debbie established herself as a true champion of underserved youth and causes that impact communities. She served Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) as an award winning teacher for more than 40 years teaching mathematics and special education. A portion of her career was spent at Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis teaching children who were hospitalized for long term care. She was instrumental in the development of numerous fundraising programs to support a wide range of charitable interests.

Debbie was responsible for launching the Riley Children’s Hospital Holiday Cards sales program. She also helped start Extinguish the Need, a program which set up a warehouse of materials for families to replace items lost in house fires.

One of Debbie’s greatest joys was her engagement as founding Key Club advisor at Broad Ripple High School. There, she started a volunteer program from scratch, building one of the most dynamic groups in metropolitan school history, receiving global acclaim.

Debbie orchestrated the Bracelets for the Cure which generated over $250,000 for Indiana University to begin the Breast Cancer Tissue Bank which is now called the Komen Tissue Bank. The Tissue Bank was the first of its kind in the world and contributed significantly to research in the prevention, treatment and cure of breast cancer.

Under her mentorship, students learned the value of giving of their time, treasures and talents to make their communities a better place in which to live. She donated countless hours of her time to the numerous projects that her students were involved in as she taught them the meaning of service.

For her efforts, Debbie earned a Daily Point of Light honor for her work in supporting the Broad Ripple High School Key Club and then she received the Key of Honor award from Key Club International for her numerous contributions to the organization.

Debbie’s greatest passions included her family, world travel, Indiana University sports, active participation for more than 30 years in a local book club that created lasting memories and friendships and Geocaching in which she utilized the activity as both an experiential and educational tool. She was a beloved daughter, sister, niece, aunt, cousin, and friend.

Debbie is preceded in death by her niece Brittney Wolinsky. Surviving along with her parents Sheila and Joseph Wolinsky, West Lafayette, IN are her siblings Kharry Wolinsky, Arlington, VA; Becca Galante (Gus), Munster, IN; Michael Wolinsky, Indianapolis, IN; Julie Wolinsky (Homi Arabshahi), Arlington, VA; and six nephews and nieces; Alex Galante, Sara Galante, Eric Galante, Garon Wolinsky, Danny Arabshahi and Andy Arabshahi.

Due to restrictions, a private graveside service will be held at Sons of Abraham Cemetery in Lafayette.

Memorial contributions may be made to Indy Reads at www.Indyreads.org or by check to Indy Reads, 40 East Saint Clair Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204 or to The Village of Merici, 5707 Lawton Loop East Drive Box 22, Indianapolis, IN 46216 or to a charity of your choice.

You may leave condolences and memories at www.soller-baker.com

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.

Christine & Nathaniel Garza

Diane

Jhani Laupus

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Sons of Abraham Cemetery

Montifore St.

Lafayette, IN 47905

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Debra S. Wolinsky, 66, of Indianapolis, passed away on Monday, May 18, 2020. Born on April 22, 1954 in Ithaca, NY, Debbie graduated from West Lafayette High School in 1972, earned a B.S. from Indiana University in Education in 1976 and a M.S. from Butler University in 1978. Throughout her lifetime, Debbie established herself asContinue Reading

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I was saddened to hear about the passing of Debbie. She was a wonderful geocaching partner and friend. I met Debbie while out geocaching. We had spent quite a bit of time together geocaching and lots of memories made along the way. My condolences to her family. She will be missed by me.

Ms. Wolinsky set my life off on a course I could never have predicted. I was a terrified young high school student at my first conference, and Ms. Wolinsky and her Key Club quickly brought me under their wing. She inspired me with her selflessness, initiative, and leadership; which allowed me to be where I am today. My story is just one of hundreds of the people she has touched. I am eternally grateful and only hope to spread the light she lit all those years ago. My deepest condolences to Ms. Wolinsky's family.

My most heartfelt condolences to Becca and the entire Wolinsky family. I never met Debbie personally, but reading of her selfless accomplishments and well-deserved honors and awards only show how Debbie left the world a better place for us all. Her love for children and for those in need makes my heart full, her thoughtfulness knew no bounds. You are all in my heart and prayers. Love you, Jodi Cohen

Ms. Wolinsky was tutoring my son Nathaniel for the past three years. She was a blessing to our family and will be greatly missed. Nathaniel and Debbie just talked about him graduating next year. She continued to do zoom sessions with him throughout the quarantine. We loved talking about math, travel and the theatre with her. Our condolences to her loved ones.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I am so deeply saddened by Debbie's death. I had spoken to her about a month ago. We had both watched Camp Crip on Netflix. It had brought back a flood of memories of Camp Grace Bentley. She was a joy to be with. The world has lost a shining star

love ❤️ you debbie so sorry

Dear Becca & family. What a wonderful life to celebrate! I know you will miss Debbie so very much. May your memories comfort you and may her spirit live on in the hearts of all those she has touched with kindness and her passion. Cindy Meyer

My deepest condolences to Debbie's family! I taught with Debbie at Broad Ripple High School. She was one of the most dedicated educators that I worked with. Her dedication to young people was outstanding. My daughter was a member of the Key Club. She often spoke of how Ms. Wolinsky pushed them to make their chapter the best in Indiana. My prayers are with the family!?

I have so many wonderful memories with Debbie. First and foremost as a great friend and colleague. We would sometimes text or call during and I.U. basketball game. I remember a few years ago when I.U. upset Duke, Deb and I were on the phone together screaming the last couple of minutes of the game, together. I also can go into my gardens and remember Deb. I have plants that she gave me starts from which I shall always cherish and will remember each time I see them. So grateful to have been her friend.

My heart goes out to the extended Wolinsky family having to bear this bereavement in such trying times when the need to hug and touch and reassure each other of love is restricted, and the sudden loss of Debbie is one that calls for deep embraces. I knew Debbie sporadically over many years as a part-timer in her Book Club, a place to share personal feelings, triumphs and disappointments, and laughs!. I know the loss the close, core Book Club friends feel is deep and intense. Debbie was compassionate and passionate, smart and intense, so focused on improving people, our education system and the community around her—the community she saw had no borders, had diversity that was intriguing and inspiring, held immense potential for young people, and she set out over and over to fix the problems of illness, disadvantage and ignorance around her. She achieved so much. I will never forget the bracelet project for the cancer tissue bank—what she did with students, for students, for a cure inspired by a dear friend and her family’s losses. Humor, laughter, wry comments, irony were always in her playbook, along with her ardent partisanship for IU and for her family. Finally, a defining and moving characteristic was her commitment to her Jewish heritage and faith, centering her and giving her life perspective she was always ready to share. We will miss her. I can only imagine the depth of loss of others closer to her.

Dear Joe, Sheila, Kharry, Becca, Michael and Julie--I feel so much sorrow for this loss, as Debra was such an amazing person. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to each of you as you, in a time that makes loss even more difficult, grieve for your beautiful daughter and sister. May you continually find comfort in one another, other members of your family, and your many friends as you move forward. Much love--Pam

I have known Debbie for years, through Dyson and IPS. She was a wonderful human being who made a difference for so many underprivileged students.Debbie was kind, caring, smart and funny; just a beautiful lady. I am very sorry for your loss. May her memory be for blessing.

Debbie was a class act and a true educator with a heart of gold. She made this world so much more beautiful because she made lives better. Her impact will continue for generations. Every student she encouraged will pass on her words and wisdom. One of the best humans God ever made.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.