It is with great sadness we share the news with you that Deborah (Debbie) L. Walker-Druzbick passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Jan. 22, 2024.
Kentucky-born and raised, Debbie was a beloved and well-known figure throughout Hernando County.
She is survived by her husband, former County Commissioner John Druzbick; her two daughters, Danielle and husband Gabriel and Megan and husband Jay; five grandchildren, Blakely, Margot, Paisley, Liv and Jaylee; her sister, Pamela and husband Victor; niece’s, Victoria and Nicole and many other loving relatives and friends.
Debbie moved to Florida in 1989 as a single mom with two young daughters. She often said how much she loved Florida following the many family vacations spent here growing up. Her first community achievement was coaching Hernando County’s first all-girls soccer team in the early 1990s.
By 1994, Debbie was filling her life by helping those around her improve theirs. She became involved in many community outreach efforts in the county and was invited to join the Enrichment Centers of Hernando County Board of Directors.
Today, the county’s enrichment centers are a vibrant, action-packed combination of fitness and exercise, support groups, a transportation hub, leisure activities, even some tasty dining and totally dedicated to help seniors live a healthier, more fulfilling life.
“Our enrichment centers in Brooksville and Spring Hill are not only one of the most popular services available to senior citizens nowadays but also a necessary one,” Debbie had said often. “It’s where seniors can gather and fulfill their social, health education and emotional needs.”
Debbie became the enrichment centers’ assistant program director in 2001 and by 2005 was appointed Director of the Enrichment Centers program. After 25 years with the Enrichment Centers, she retired in 2019 but didn’t stay retired for long.
In 2022, Debbie became involved with Win the Day Foundation, a nonprofit organization with the sole purpose of serving the community and identifying the needs and gaps in social services for senior citizens, foster care parents and more. The foundation, led by Keith Krueger, the president, and Marti Covert, the executive director, recognized that the Spring Hill Enrichment Center, which had been providing these services for decades, was currently without a location from which to operate. Before long, Debbie became the director of the new Krueger Enrichment Center.
Marti Covert, Executive Director of the Win the Day Foundation, related being at a Christmas party at Oak Hill Senior Living for the Enrichment Centers Inc. of Hernando County in December 2021, shortly after Win the Day Foundation was formed and seeking what the foundation could do for the senior community in Hernando County.
“Little did I know that Debbie Druzbick was seeking sponsors for her enrichment centers, and little did she know that Win the Day had recently purchased a building on US 19 in Spring Hill. It was a match made in heaven, and Debbie and I both recognized that, said Marti.”
“After months of work on the building and invaluable assistance from both Debbie and her husband, John, the Krueger Enrichment Center was ready to open its doors in November 2022,” explained Marti. “The center instantly became an active and successful part of Spring Hill for those wanting to socialize and hold their activities, especially needed after the isolation they experienced through Covid.”
“Debbie was the most compassionate, knowledgeable person I have ever met, always seeking to fill the need, whatever it may be. I was blessed to have worked with her,” Marti said.
Keith Krueger, President of Win The Day, said: “Debbie Druzbick was instrumental in helping get the doors open for the Krueger Enrichment Center. It was Debbie who helped us gain our wings and fly in this community,” said Krueger. “Debbie was a huge asset to the senior community and to the Enrichment Centers of Hernando. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of her beautiful soul,” he said. “As she would say every time she left, “I love ya today!”
Recently elected Director to the Board of Enrichment Centers, former Fire Commission Bob Kanner said:
“Debbie was a one of a kind person. After she was born, God threw away the mold.”
“She was always there to help others and never knew the words “No, I can’t” or “I don’t have time.”
“She and her husband John were always available no matter what the situation may be, Kanner said. “I have known and worked with Debbie for more than 30 years,” he added. “Hernando County has lost a major asset that can never be replaced.”
The news of Debbie’s passing has sent ripples of shock and sadness throughout our community, where Debbie has worked since 1994 to provide unconditional love and service to thousands of our senior residents in need all across the county.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Enrichment Centers Inc. of Hernando County, 800 John Gary Grubbs Blvd., Brooksville, FL 34601, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 17, 2024.
The Hernando Sun and staff extend our sincerest sympathies and condolences to Debbie’s family, friends, and colleagues. She will be missed.
Upon her retirement in 2019, she wrote the following words to Enrichment Center members,
“…I wish you a day of happiness and perfection…
Little bite-size pieces of perfection
That give you the funny feeling that the Universe is smiling on you,
Holding you so gently because you are someone special and rare.
I wish You a day of Peace, Happiness and Joy.
Thank you for being part of my family in such an ENRICHING way.
The World is a brighter place because of you!
If you need me-I will be at the Beach!
Love ya-DEBBIE
May 2019”
