Debra Rene Moortgat

Debra Rene Moortgat May 13, 1964 - February 1, 2015 Debra Rene "Debbie" Moortgat, age 50, of St. Augustine, passed away on February 1, 2015 at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville with her husband by her side. Debbie was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and moved to Jacksonville at a young age. She studied, and later practiced message therapy in her early adult life. An avid surfer, she also enjoyed working as a Lifeguard in Atlantic Beach for many years. While vacationing in France, she met and later married Emmanuel Moortgat. It was one of the happiest times of her life; newly married, living in the City of Vence on the French Riviera, and learning and enjoying French culture. Years later, Debra & Emmanuel moved back to the states, settling in St. Augustine. With a deep interest in holistic healing, Debbie began traveling to Boone, North Carolina to study acupuncture at the Jung Tao School of Classical Chinese Medicine. After graduating from the Acupuncture Program at Jung Tao, she opened her practice in St. Augustine and quickly gained a reputation as an accomplished and sought after practitioner. Dedicated to the practice of Acupuncture and committed to its advancement, Debbie spent years translating the book of Traditional Chinese Medicine from French to English for the Jung Tao School. Debbie loved life, and simplicity. She adored her five cats, and enjoyed gardening and horseback riding. More than anything, Debbie will be remembered as a loving wife, daughter, friend, and a skilled caregiver to her patients. She will be dearly missed. She is survived by her husband, Emmanuel Moortgat of St. Augustine; her mother & stepfather, Jane & John Kirkendall, her father & step mother, Dennis & Brenda Fagen of Tallahassee; and brothers, Dan Fagen (Carrie) of St. Johns, and Jeff Fagen of Jacksonville. A celebration of life service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2015 at St. Johns Family Funeral Home with Father Seamus O'Flynn officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations in Debbie's memory can be made to: Community Cats of Palm Coast, 18 Mahoe Drive North, Palm Coast, FL. 32137. St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.