TikTok influencer and Nanny 911 star Deborah Finck, a beloved figure to many, passed away peacefully at the age of 57, after a courageous five-year battle with leiomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive soft tissue cancer. Her devoted daughter, Katerina, who is one of Finck's six twin-born children, announced the heartbreaking news on January 14th, across her TikTok and Instagram accounts, which collectively boast over 680,000 loyal followers.
Katerina shared the news by posting a poignant montage of both vintage and recent photos featuring her and her mother. Her tribute read, "To my mommy, my best friend, my sunshine—thank you for all the invaluable love and support you've shown me. You were the epitome of beauty and the perfect mother anyone could ever wish for."
She continued, "You taught me resilience, bravery, the true essence of love, and the importance of never giving up. You believed in me unwaveringly, stood by me through thick and thin, and demonstrated the depths of unconditional love. You will forever be etched in my heart, irreplaceable and unforgettable. Whenever I catch sight of a sunflower, it will remind me of your radiant presence in my life."
In Finck's honor, Katerina requested that any donations be made to the Ronald McDonald House, an organization that provides vital support and accommodation to sick children and their families. "Thank you to all who cherished my mommy and showered her with kindness. Your support has been a beacon of hope for us," Katerina's post concluded.
Before her passing, Finck, who had amassed over 800,000 followers on both TikTok and Instagram, regularly updated her fans through heartfelt videos. In her final video, shared on January 13th, she responded to a fan who revealed how her story had helped him cope with severe depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicidal thoughts.
"It truly means the world to me that you've shared that," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. "I often ponder, 'Why me?' and 'What have I done to make a difference in this world?' Perhaps, this was my destiny."
She continued, her voice breaking, "You have so much to live for, and so many people who care deeply for you. I don't want to leave too. I really don't."
In her final weeks, Finck recorded videos to bid farewell to her children and her husband, Paul. In December, she shared a touching tradition that had been a cornerstone of their decades-long marriage. "Every night, my husband tucks me in bed," she said, almost a month before her passing. "Even before I fell ill, he would stay up late working, but he'd always make sure to tuck me in and kiss me goodnight. One night, while I was brushing my teeth, he hugged me tightly and whispered, 'I just want to hug you forever.'"
Finck admitted she was overwhelmed with emotions upon hearing her husband's words. Tears streaming down her face, she said, "Pauly, I love you with all my heart. I want to hold onto these hugs forever. I'm not giving up. Thank you for everything, for giving me the most wonderful life."
On Wednesday, Paul posted a heartfelt tribute to his late wife on his personal Instagram and TikTok accounts, where he usually shares insights into his family life and professional endeavors. "Deborah was my soulmate in every sense of the word—my confidant, my rock, the love of my life. Together, we built a life filled with joy, laughter, and countless cherished memories that I will forever hold dear," he captioned a picture of them in their younger years.
"Deborah, my love, you were my entire world, and losing you is a pain I cannot fully express. But I will carry you with me in every step I take, every decision I make, and every moment I live. Rest in peace, my dear. Your battle is over, and you are finally free. Until we meet again, you will forever reside in my heart," he concluded.
