CAPE GIRARDEAU (WSIL)--Debbie Spease, a retired kindergarten teacher, spent almost a full month in the COVID unit at Southeast Health in Cape Girardeau, unable to be visited by family or friends.
On Monday, Spease passed away due to complications from the virus.
"I can tell you that she was full of joy. Nobody knew how to love better. She was full of gratitude and compassion. No matter how bad things were, she found something to be greatful for. She was really good at expressing that gratitude," said Spease's sister Dena Shelton.
Shelton said while Spease was in the hospital, staff treated the family with kindness.
"They just handled us very gently and with respect and compassion. And when you're going through something like that and you're separated from your loved one, it means a lot to know they are more than just a patient," said Shelton.
Since Spease was not allowed visitors, Spease and Shelton's niece came up with a creative solution.
"My niece had the idea to make a playlist for my sister, so that she could hear our voices as much as possible," said Shelton.
Nurses and staff would play the playlist for Spease while she was on a ventilator, so she could feel close to those who loved her.
One of the messages for Spease, was a birthday message from her niece Nicole.
"Aunt Debbie it's Nicole! I love and I miss you so much! And I can't wait to see you soon and celebrate your happy birthday," Nicole said in the message.
After Spease passed, Shelton said they wanted to thank those who cared for her sister, because it is what she would have wanted.
"And whether you're experiencing the joy of recovery or the pain of grief, you know, they're fighting another day for some other family. And we just want to make sure their efforts are recognized and that we as a community honor them with compassion because they've been so compassionate to us," said Shelton.
