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Cortez, Debra A. April 29, 1961 - March 21, 2022

 

Debra A. Cortez (Barbagallo), 60, of Hackettstown, NJ, passed away on March 21, 2022 surrounded by her husband and children. She battled one year with Stage Four Lung Cancer and had Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia for five years.

Debbie was born on April 29, 1961 to the late, Dominick and Pauline (Savio) Barbagallo in Montclair, NJ. Debbie graduated from Parsippany High School. In 1985, she married her husband, John they had two children, Nicole and John Paul. Debbie was a loving and nurturing mother, who for many years worked part-time which allowed her to be there for her family. She was a lover of family vacations to the beach, gardening, casinos, fashion, Led Zeppelin, concerts and a highly talented crafter that proudly operated an online Etsy business for over a decade. She was a positive and a spunky person with huge heart and a go-getter attitude who we will miss wholeheartedly.

She is survived by her husband of 36 years, John; her two children, daughter Nicole and son-in-law Brian of Roanoke, VA and son John Paul and his girlfriend Carmela of Binghamton, NY; Granddaughter Maria; furry companion Giovanni; and one brother, Samuel Barbagallo. Proceeding her in death were her siblings, Connie Barbagallo Smith, Leigh Barbagallo Wiseman, and Anthony Barbagallo.

Friends may visit with the family on March 26, 2022 from 12 noon – 4 pm at Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street Hackettstown, NJ 07840 with services beginning at 3:30 pm.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, to consider donating to one of the following: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Lung Cancer Research Foundation or American Cancer Society

 

Condolences(14)

  1. REPLY
    Laura Giampietro says
    March 22, 2022 at 10:32 pm

    My beautiful cuz. This picture was in my backyard when I was graciously blessed with your company. I will always remember our good time, dancing, chatting and so much laughter. You brought so much joy to everyone’s life and I thank you for that.
    You will be missed tremendously.
    Until we meet again, I’m loving you forever more!
    Love to all the family! Sending prayers and hugs. 💕🙏🏻

  2. REPLY
    Elena says
    March 23, 2022 at 12:11 am

    I love you dearly and am struggling to accept that I can’t call you up anymore and we would laugh and joke and reminisce but I will see you soon I miss you so much already I love you please rest in peace and know that whatever your children need orJohn we will all be right there for them. No more pain

    • Danny and Clair Valentino says
      March 23, 2022 at 7:34 am

      Dearest John, Nicole, John Paul and the Cortez / Barbagallo Family,

      Please accept our sincerest condolences. There are no words we can offer to ease the pain in your hearts.

      We loved Debbie. She was always smiling and never failed to greet us with a big hello. Her laughter was infectious.

      She loved you John, Nicole, John Paul and her little Maria beyond measure. She was so proud of her family ~ you were her everything.

      Rest In Peace Sweet Debbie. Until we meet again, here is to sandy toes and red sails in the sunset…

      Love always, Danny and Clair

      We Remember Them

      By: Sylvan Kamens & Rabbi Jack Riemer

      At the rising sun and at its going down, we remember them.

      At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter, we remember them.

      At the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring, we remember them.

      At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer, we remember them.

      At the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of the autumn, we remember them.

      At the beginning of the year and when it ends, we remember them.

      As long as we live, they too will live, for they are now a part of us as we remember them.

      When we are weary and in need of strength, we remember them.

      When we are lost and sick at heart, we remember them.

      When we have decisions that are difficult to make, we remember them.

      When we have joy we crave to share, we remember them.

      When we have achievements that are based on theirs, we remember them.

      For as long as we live, they too will live, for they are now a part of us as we ~ remember them.

  3. REPLY
    Sharon Fiore says
    March 23, 2022 at 7:50 pm

    Dear Debbie ‘s family, I am so sorry that she has passed. She did put up a fight. She was a beautiful person and she had a gentle heart for everyone ♥️ She was so beautiful inside and out. She definitely made the best of everything. Her heart will live forever in everyone she knew.

  4. REPLY
    Steven Tomei says
    March 23, 2022 at 8:06 pm

    Sorry for your loss

  5. REPLY
    Suzie Simone says
    March 23, 2022 at 8:58 pm

    My Beautiful Angel Viking Sista Friend, I already miss you, but I am so happy you are free from pain. I will never forget you. I miss you already. John, Nichole, Jp, Maria and all of your Family and Loves, I wish you all peace and I send all my love. I will see you every time I look at a flower and I will remember every amazing thing we shared. You have touched my heart like no other. May you be dancing on the clouds. Until we meet again, I will carry you in my heart. I love you forever. Our friendship was a true gift from God. Fly High Angel!

  6. REPLY
    Ron and Kelly says
    March 23, 2022 at 10:46 pm

    Our condolences go out to John, Nichole, John Paul, family and friends. We will miss our friend Debbie, her loving heart, and fun personality. We will cherish all the times at the pool, watching Giant games, and get together’s with friends. The last decade was special and we will always have those memories with us.

  7. REPLY
    George Joseph says
    March 24, 2022 at 9:40 am

    Deepest condolences to the Cortez family, may she rest in eternal peace.

  8. REPLY
    Donna Gratkowski says
    March 24, 2022 at 2:44 pm

    Our deepest sympathies , your are all in our hearts at this very difficult time. Love and hugs. Donna and Craig

  9. REPLY
    Edward ( Butch) & Debbie Lembeck says
    March 24, 2022 at 7:53 pm

    You have our deepest sympathy. She was a loving caring person that fought hard. RIP my beautiful cousin till we

  10. REPLY
    Jack and Gie Cortez says
    March 24, 2022 at 8:30 pm

    Our lord called you , spread his arms and opened Heavens gates. You walk with the angels in Jesus’ loving care now. Someday we will all sit together at God’s table.. We love you and miss you,.

  11. REPLY
    Marybeth Sprayberry says
    March 26, 2022 at 12:58 pm

    Our love and condolences to the Cortez family. I’m blessed with the memories of the times and laughter we shared and will treasure them always. Fly with the Angels Deb and I’m sure that you’ll be Dancing ~ Love and Miss you

  12. REPLY
    Gina and Tom Knudsen says
    March 26, 2022 at 4:16 pm

    You lived, you laughed and you loved! You will never be forgotten. Sending prayers to the family at this most difficult time.

  13. REPLY
    Bea Inzilla says
    April 22, 2022 at 12:06 am

    Debbie,

    With heartfelt sympathy to John, Nicole, John Paul, Maria, Companion Giovanni, family and friends.

    Debbie, my cousin, my beautiful friend, you have brought much joy and love to all. What a lovely role model as daughter, sibling, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. You always concerned yourself with the needs of those around you. Your love for nature showed the depth of the love of God’s creation. With your go to manner and positive spirit, you knew how to make things work! You kept your beauty throughout the years, but this was only a glimpse of the pure beauty in your inner soul.

    Debbie, you were a peacemaker, giving good advice, never getting entangled in the affairs and disputes of others. Your friendship with your family and friends was genuine, we loved you and always will!

    You taught us a lesson. Your whole life was an exemplary of a life well lived, the best of its kind! Your flair for artistry did not make you a Picasso or Leonardo DaVinci, but close! Most of your life’s journey was kind and filled with joy and keepsake loving memories. When life’s journey became one of hardship, pain, and uncertainty, you persevered. You carried forth like the warrior you were. You kept the faith at the darkest part of the journey. You endured much pain and suffering while you were having to let go of the life you once knew and the people you loved. Although we wanted you to stay, the Lord did not plan it that way. He wanted you to enter into His rest so you could behold His glorious Kingdom and see the majestic almighty GOD!

    With a heart filled with gratitude and love, I thank you, Debbie, for loving me. Your memories will be with me always, for they are pure treasure. I will miss you and I love you dearly. There will be no goodbyes because I will see you again!

    Debbie, of one thing I am certain, you will hear the Lord say, “Welcome, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with few things, I will put you in charge of many things.. Come share your Master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:23)

    As Debbie hears the Master’s call, “ ‘Debra, come to me’, and for the first time, she feels the peace, joy, and love that surpasses all others. And for the first time she feels truly alive, for you see, she received the greatest miracle of all. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
    (John 3:16)

    In Christ’s Love,
    Bea

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