<Tr> <Th> Children </Th> <Td> Alexandra "Ally" Barone (daughter) Geoffrey Barone (twin son) Michael Barone (twin son) </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> Relatives </Th> <Td> Frank Barone (father - in - law) Marie Barone (mother - in - law) Robert Barone (brother - in - law) Amy MacDougall - Barone (sister - in - law) Mel Barone (uncle - in - law) Gerard (cousin - in - law) </Td> </Tr> <P> Debra Louise Whelan - Barone (Patricia Heaton), is the wife of Ray . She was raised by wealthy parents, Lois (Katherine Helmond) and Warren Whelan (Robert Culp), and grew up in an upper - class background, unlike the other major characters in the sitcom . She has a sister, Jennifer Whelan (Ashley Crow), who is seen only once in the entire series . Following her graduation from high school, she traveled a lot and dated many famous sportspeople . Before marrying Ray, she worked in public relations for the New York Rangers hockey team . </P> <P> Debra is vulnerable and emotionally sensitive . She is unhappy as a housewife, having to put up not only with Ray's immature jokes and lazy behavior, but more with his intrusive family members, who often barge in uninvited, leaving havoc in their wake . Though Ray's parents frustrate her, she rarely shows her feelings to them, resulting in occasional bursts in private of yelling, stomping, and throwing objects . </P>

Who plays debra's mom in everybody loves raymond