Deborah M. Amata

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Deborah “Debbie” Marie Amata, a beloved mother, daughter, nana, sister, aunt and friend. Debbie was born in Cleveland, Ohio on July 24,1950 to Mario and Wilma Amata and passed away on April 2, 2025 after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. Debbie is reunited in heaven with her husband, Kerry Gump, parents, Mario and Wilma, and beloved dogs, Coco and Bosco. Debbie was the devoted mother to her daughters, Denise (Dan) Witherspoon and Dianne Mennemeyer, sister to Denise Amato and Dianne (Bill) Bartlett, Nana to Jesse and Taylor Witherspoon and Gianna Mennemeyer-Upchurch, aunt to Debbie (Matthew) Schrader, Erin Browning and Bryan Browning; and great-aunt to Nolan, Bennett, Alex, Eli, and Eden. Debbie was also the cherished companion of her beloved dog, Elliot. For more than 26 years, Debbie was the proud business owner of Bianca’s Ristorante Italiano in Brunswick, Ohio. Anyone who entered her restaurant was treated as a friend. Debbie always sought out ways to use her restaurant’s resources to support her community. She regularly donated food to local student sport team events and Fox Tale Sanctuary. Debbie’s love of her family was visible in everything she did. When not at her restaurant, Debbie’s focus was on her family and friends. She loved attending her grandson Jesse’s plays, granddaughter Taylor’s marching band events and granddaughter Gianna’s gymnastics meets, and spending time with her daughters, grandchildren, sisters, nieces, nephew, extended family and friends. Debbie was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her journey on this earth was one marked by love, generosity, humor and passion. She had a gift for making others smile and laugh, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed her path. Her passing has left a void in the hearts of her family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by her. We ask that you remember her for the profound impact she had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing her. To honor Debbie’s life, a mass will be held on April 26, 2025, at 9:00 AM at St. Ambrose Church at 929 Pearl Road, Brunswick, Ohio. A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Bianca’s Ristorante Italiano at 4284 Beverly Hills Dr, Brunswick, Ohio. Anyone that knew Debbie knew of her passion for animals. She often said she loved animals more than people! “The purity of a person's heart can be quickly measured by how they regard animals." (Anonymous). In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Debbie’s memory to these animal rescue organizations that were very special to Debbie: Fox Tale Sanctuary (https://www.powr.io/checkout_screen?unique_label=52be40e2_1673448318) and Rescued Rascals (https://rescuedrascalsil.org/donate-now-2/).

Deborah M. Amata

July 24, 1950 - April 2, 2025