Rochester, NY: Deborah Ann Houppert-Nobles passed away peacefully at the Leo Center for Caring on Thursday, September 14, 2017. Known also to loved ones as “Yoga Lady”, “OG” (Original Goddess) or “Baaba”, Debby was 66 years old. She is survived by her mother, Helen Ficarro of Ontario, NY, her brother (Daniel Ficarro), her husband of 25 years, Robert K. Nobles, three beloved daughters (Lona Prince-Mryglod, Danielle Houppert, Amanda Nguyen) and five treasured granddaughters (Helene Prince, Kathryn Mryglod, Emma Mryglod, Mai Nguyen, An Ly Nguyen). Deborah is predeceased by her father, Angelo Ficarro.
Debby was a Certified Yoga Instructor for nearly 35 years, teaching in a variety of venues throughout Rochester, including the Rochester Presbyterian Home, the Southwest YMCA, Gates-Chili Continuing Education, Irondequoit Continuing Education and Nazareth College. She also worked at DePaul Mental Health and enjoyed teaching water aerobics. Though her life was far too short, Debby filled days with her love of humanity, always caring for others and their happiness. Family and community gave Debby’s life meaning and purpose, and she repaid them with unconditional love and the precious ability to make everything special. She loved shopping, especially with Danielle, providing healthy foods to the elderly and needy, cooking for family and friends, and being mindful and present to appreciate the simple beauties in nature. She passionately supported local business at every chance she could, and she was known to study diverse cultures and religious/spiritual traditions from around the globe. She was an ordained minister and enjoyed officiating weddings and baptisms.
Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Monica’s Catholic Church, 831 Genesee St. (Rochester) on September 23, 2017 at 9:30 a.m. A private burial will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Leo Center for Caring, 1500 Portland Ave, Rochester, NY.