Deborah Lou Dudderar Zepp, 71, of Westminster, Md, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2025 at the Dove House. She will always be remembered for her kind, unselfish, calm demeanor and the loving compassion she shared with everyone.

Born on June 21, 1953 in Frederick, Maryland, Debbie was the daughter of the late Janet and Richard Dudderar. She grew up on a dairy farm and was an active member of Linganore United Methodist Church as a member of the youth group and choir. The Farmers’ Daughters, a group of four cousins, sang for over 200 local, regional and national events over 6 years. She continued to share her musical gift in 4-H through the county choir and the New Beginnings, a statewide 4-H entertainment group which she co-directed.

Debbie was a devoted member of Zion United Methodist Church of Shipley for over 40 years. She sang in the choir, played the piano, taught Sunday School, led bible studies and served on many committees. Debbie was very active in Emmaus, a spiritual weekend retreat. She provided leadership as director, group leader, and musical team member. Her sponsorship of multiple attendees led many to gain a deeper understanding of their faith.

Debbie graduated from Linganore High School in 1971 and earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Maryland in 1975.She was the office manager at the Westminster Veterinary Hospital for 10 years, but she found her true passion in providing comfort and spiritual support for people nearing the end of life. Debbie was the Carroll Hospice Volunteer Coordinator for 25 years. Training volunteers and connecting them with patients, she has touched many a family at a most difficult time in their lives.

She once said, “It was always in my heart to do hospice work….it’s kind of a divine calling, and I find that true with our volunteers.” In retirement she continued to provide comfort and care as a home health aide.

Debbie loved to travel. Ocean City beach getaways were a family tradition. She was an avid reader and enjoyed painting. But her greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren.

On February 15, 1976 Debbie married Ronald T. Zepp. They lived in the Village of Shipley and moved into the historic Morgan Run Schoolhouse in 1987. Together they turned the schoolhouse into a home that was always open to everyone. The annual Christmas Eve Open House was a Morgan Run tradition.

She was predeceased by her parents, Richard and Janet Dudderar. Debbie is survived by her husband, Ronnie, children Adam D. Zepp and his wife Jennifer; Sayword E. Cordon and her husband Elio, grandchildren Aiden Zepp, Grace Cordon, Aubrey Zepp, Austin Cordon, Jake Trivilino and Luke Trivilino,  siblings Vicki Bowers and husband, Andrew and Michael Dudderar and wife, Cheryl. She is also survived by loving in-laws Melvin and Penny Zepp, Jo Ann Stull, Nancy and Donald Bullock, Barbara Devilbiss, Kathy Zepp, Doug and Sandy Zepp. In addition, she has 28 nieces and nephews, 35 great-nieces and nephews, 2 great-great nieces, her lifelong friends, Debbie O’Hara, and Ivy Gifford.

Contributions may be made in Debbie’s honor to Zion United Methodist Church of Shipley, 2714-16 Old Washington Road, Westminster, MD 21157 or Bridging Life, 292 Stoner Avenue, Westminster, MD 21157.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at Zion United Methodist Church of Shipley, 2714-16 Old Washington Road, Westminster, MD 21157, with her pastor Rev. Yujung Hwang officiating. A luncheon will follow in the church social hall.