Debra Joan Whelan Master Upholstery Artist Debra Joan Whelan passed away peacefully with her family by her side at Columbia Memorial Hospital on July 8th, 2012 after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Beloved daughter of Robert F. Whelan and Bernice J. Whelan and stepmother, Lucille Canape Whalen. Beloved sister of Robert A. and Jeffrey S. Whelan, whom she loved dearly. Also many aunts, uncles, and cousins which she was very fond of. Debbie was born in Oyster Bay, Long Island, on December 11, 1956 and moved to Columbia County in 1979 at which time she established Upholstery Unlimited/Debra Whelan Designs. She was a master upholsterer, well known as a perfectionist, with a solid reputation and clients from New York City to Beverly Hills, California. Debbie loved spending time with her family, especially at special holiday dinners and cooking special requests for birthdays. She enjoyed travel and once drove solo across the U.S. She also achieved Black Belt statud in Karate at age 30. Debbie was always a kind and generous person with great inner strengh which guided her through her ordeal and gave inspiration to all who knew her. She will be greatly missed even as we celebrate having had her in our lives. Visitation hours are 4-8 pm Wednesday at the Bates & Anderson - Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Columbia Memorial Hospice, 71 Prospect Avenue, Hudson, NY, 12534.