Deborah Dickson Silverstein, 75, passed away at Kavanagh Hospice House October 9th, 2024 from complications of a stroke. She died peacefully surrounded by her two daughters and son in law.
Debbie was born in Mt Pleasant Iowa on March 20th, 1949 to Kenneth and Mary Lee Dickson. She was later joined by two other siblings, Terri and Kim. She grew up in Mt pleasant and attended high school where she later met Kent Acheson. They married in June of 1969 and moved on to Des Moines. She went on to pursue a music career at Drake University, even singing with the popular Fred Waring group. Deb had a beautiful voice and also enjoyed playing the piano. After some time she decided that being a mom and homemaker was her true calling, and Debbie and Kent welcomed their first daughter Stacy in September 1970, with the second daughter Amy, following in November of 1971. Years later Deborah and Kent parted ways and Deb went on to pursue a professional career in the insurance business, even moving to Texas for 5 years, but her love of family and home brought her back to Iowa where she met Ben Silverstein and later married in 1987. They resided in Clive Iowa for almost 30 years where her greatest joys came from spending time with her family, hosting Sunday night dinners, numerous pool party BBQ's, and nurturing her flowers and waterfalls. It was evident in everything she did as she took great pride in her home, both inside and out. The holidays were always a magical time for us with impressive décor and food.
Deb's home was always filled with many paws as she rescued countless shelties and dachshunds over the years. Her loving and caring nature gave her the gift of caring for many animals at a time!
Deb became a grandmother in February 1999 when Kenna Lee was born. This became her favorite past time, and soon welcomed grandson Joe in 2006, followed by Ariston in 2007. To say she loved them was an understatement and was undoubtedly her whole world.
After Ben died in 2012, Deb found a hobby in the Saddlebred horse world. She became very involved after her grandchildren started riding. They would go on to compete nationally and Deb would travel to wherever the kids were showing. She was so proud to get "dolled up" and showcase many of the horses she owned through the years, even one who went on to win National champion in 2017.
Grandma, (as commonly referred to by), sadly battled many health issues over the last five years. Even though it broke her spirit at times, it never minimized the wonderful memories we all have of her. She will be fondly remembered as Over the top and dramatic Deborah! Her love and traditions will live on in her 2 children, son in law Mike (Pardubsky), brother Kim Dickson(Jeanne), and especially her treasured grandkids.
She is proceeded in death by her grandparents, and parents, Kenneth and Marylee Dickson. A private funeral service was held graveside at her final resting place in Mt Pleasant with a Celebration of Life planned for a later date.
In Lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the Animal Rescue league, (or an animal shelter of the donor's choice) as well as Kavanagh House in Des Moines. The family is eternally grateful for their compassion and support through her last days.
