Debra Lee (Epstein) Monroe-Stern, age 66, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 21, 2017 with her loving husband by her side. Debbie was born in Portage, WI to Robert and Jean (Benson) Epstein on May 19, 1951. Debbie studied English at UW-Stevens Point and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English at UW-River Falls. 

Debbie’s love of poetry gave her family and friends many beautiful gifts throughout her life. Debbie followed her passion, and having written and published many poems, and co-publishing “Gypsy Cab”, an anthology of women writers. Her most cherished blessings were her two children, Molly (Monroe) Wirth, and David Monroe, both of River Falls. Debbie was also blessed to be married to her true love and best friend, Daniel Stern of Hastings, MN and River Falls, WI. 

Debra was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Jean Epstein; many wonderful grandparents; and her beloved dog, Frodo. She is survived by her two children, Molly (Monroe) Wirth, and David Monroe; her husband, Daniel Stern; older brother Larry (Alice) Epstein; and younger siblings, Richard Epstein, and Lori Epstein; along with two generations of nieces and nephews, and many in-laws on the Stern side of the family. 

Funeral Services for Debra Lee (Epstein) Monroe-Stern will be held at 1:00pm on Monday, November 27, 2017 at the O’Connell-Benedict Funeral Home, 225 S 3rd Street in River Falls. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services. Following services, burial will take place at the Greenwood Cemetery in River Falls. Services are in the care of the O’Connell-Benedict Funeral Home of River Falls, WI. 715-425-5644