Deborah “Debbie” Jeanne Young
Columbus – Deborah “Debbie” Jeanne Youngs, 68, died Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at Capital Health Medical Center, Hopewell. She was predeceased by her parents, Jeanne Elyse Rockhill Youngs and William James Youngs; sister and brother-in-law Susan Willmarth and Samuel James Gallino. She is survived by her sisters Pamela Youngs Runyon of Georgetown, Texas, and Maralee Townsend Youngs of New York; niece Tracey Gallino Cobb; nephew Edwin “Ted” C. Runyon Jr.; niece Nancy Gallino Andrews; niece Jeanne Elyse Runyon; great-nephew Christopher Cobb; great-niece Maddison Cobb and great-nephew James Andrews.
Born in Trenton, NJ, Debbie grew up and resided in Chesterfield before moving to Columbus in 2021. A graduate of St. Mary’s Hall in Burlington, NJ, she was active in basketball, field hockey, bowling and tennis, obtaining the position of President of the sports association. Debbie attended Trenton State College (now the College of New Jersey), where she earned both a BS in Early Childhood Education and a Masters in School Counseling.
Debbie had a passion for life and boundless energy, complemented by her red curls and a beautiful smile that often hinted at a playful prank or joke. His love of the outdoors began as a child – exploring the wooded countryside surrounding his family home – and continued throughout his life: boating the St. Lawrence River, Lakes Powell and Winnipesaukee; hike in Sedona, Grand Canyon, Hopi and Navajo reservations, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, South Dakota; bird and wildlife watching from Vermont to Florida; and explore the cities of Europe. Always creating fond memories, Debbie fed her thirst for adventure in various ways, such as braving Times Square on New Year’s Eve, riding through snowstorms and walking undeterred through hard rock concerts at the age of 50 years and over.
Debbie’s career as an educator – and her creativity, determination, unparalleled empathy and sense of humor – has had a lasting impact on countless students as well as other staff members. Without compromising her integrity, Debbie challenged her own perceptions and had a genuine interest in others. Those lucky enough to have known Debbie can instantly remember her natural curiosity, laughter and genuine love for her family, friends and animals.
A celebration of Debbie’s life will be held later in 2022. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. Honorary donations can be made to FoxChase.org/giving or BestFriends.org. Arrangements are under the direction of Peppler Funeral Home, Bordentown, NJ.
Posted on March 11, 2022
Published in the Burlington County Times
