Eva Lee Debbie Sciame

Eva Lee Debbie Sciame, 84, departed this life on April 1, 2022 surrounded by her family's loving embrace. Debbie dedicated her life to her three daughters and their families, including her three sons-in-law and her six granddaughters. She was a remarkable woman and her absence will leave an ache in the heart of every single person she encountered. Debbie was born on July 6, 1937 in Greeneville, Tennessee to Walter and Ida Booker and was one of seven children. As a young girl, she moved with her family to Kingsport, Tennessee and the family eventually relocated to Rockford, Illinois. Debbie was an incredible dancer and was recruited to dance professionally in Wisconsin for a number of years. At the end of her time in Wisconsin, she went on to teach dance at the infamous Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Rockford. Illinois. Debbie met Vincent Sciame and the two were married on September 27, 1958. They had three daughters, Mary, Shayna and Lisa. Debbie and her three daughters shared a bond that cannot be described in words. Through life's ups and difficult downs, Debbie was a steadfast and fierce mother and consistent source of love and support to her girls. She gave of herself daily to see that they were cared for. In addition to her grace as a dancer, Debbie was an extremely talented singer-songwriter and self-taught piano player. She was the namesake of the band "Debbie Sciame and the Rhythm Rockets" under the label Sha- La-Mar, named for her daughters. In addition to the songs on the band's record, Debbie wrote countless songs that she shared with Mary, Shayna and Lisa. Debbie taught those same songs to her granddaughters during their sleepovers at her house when they were growing up. Her musical legacy lives in their hearts and will be passed on for years to come. Debbie will forever be remembered for her striking ability to make those around her feel her love without question, her quick wit and knack to turn a phrase. To say she will be missed does not quite explain the lasting imprint her life created in this world.

Debbie is preceded in death by her parents and each of her six siblings. She is survived by her daughters, Mary (Mark) Butitta, Shayna (Tom) Nelson and Lisa (Bob) Congleton; granddaughters, Domenica (Tyler) Baxter, Hannah (Ricardo) Gonzalez, Ella Nelson, Brittany (Brandon) Codina, Alyssa (Brandon) Motzel and Arabella Congleton; her great grandchildren, Francisco and Mila Gonzalez; friends, ex husband and wife, Vincent and Linda Sciame, and their sons, Vinny and Tony, whom Debbie loved.
Debbie's family would like to thank Fairhaven Retirement Center, its nurses and CNAs for caring for Debbie over the last year and for making a comfortable and happy home for her. They would also like to thank the OSF care team including Dr. Azra Ali, Dr. Zlatina Manov, Dr. Bryan Tully; nurses, Marina, Rachele and Tanya; CNA Nadya; and Palliative Care APN Deana Mayer for their loving care and ensuring a peaceful and dignified passing for her.

Visitation will be held Friday, April 8, 2022 from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Debbie's name to Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center in Rockford, IL and PAWS Humane Society in Rockford, IL.