Deborah Lynn Sabino: Singer's talent brought joy

"She was stunning, as talented as she was beautiful," recalled her sister, Janine Sabino-Albom. "From the moment she entered a room, she was the center of attention."

Born in 1954, Ms. Sabino grew up in Detroit, and attended Wayne State University on a music scholarship. Blessed with a mellifluous singing voice and inspired by her love of jazz standards, she performed often in the Detroit area, singing and playing piano with numerous bands and musicians -- including her siblings -- sometimes under her married names of Deborah Moore or Deborah Keith.

"She was extremely talented, and could play and sing equally as well," said Matt Michaels, professor emeritus of music at Wayne State. "She appreciated good music -- the more sophisticated, the better. And she was just a delightful person."

In the late 1990s, Ms. Sabino began a music ministry at Mountaintop Christian Church in Ray Township. She often performed at weddings and other religious functions. She was known for her faith, her love of the arts, her intellectual curiosity, and her devotion to her family and friends.

Ms. Sabino was the sister-in-law of author and Free Press columnist Mitch Albom, who, in 1988, was brought by a cousin to see her perform in St. Clair Shores. That night, Albom met her sister, Janine, and the two began a courtship and eventually married.

In 1995, Ms. Sabino was diagnosed with breast cancer. She threw herself into studying the disease, and fought a courageous battle using traditional and alternative approaches from the U.S. and around the world. She stunned many doctors with her survival, and to the end remained alert and involved.

She passed away early Sunday morning, at age 56. She died at home, as she desired, surrounded by her loved ones.

She is survived by her three sons, Michael Moore, Daniel Keith and Johnny Keith; her mother and stepfather, Maureen and Anthony Gatt; sisters Janine, Kathleen and Patricia, and brothers John and Gregory.

Visitation will be 1-9 p.m. Friday at Lee-Ellena Funeral Home, 46530 Romeo Plank Road in Macomb Township. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Bethesda Christian Church, 14000 Metropolitan Parkway, Sterling Heights.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made in her honor to Mountaintop Church/Music Ministry, 57575 Romeo Plank Road, Ray Township 48096.

 
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