Deborah Lynn Hass

Deborah Lynn Hass, passed away on October 27,2023, at the age of 70 in Spring Valley,New York. She was born on March 1,1953 in the Bronx, New York. Debbie lived a remarkable life despite facing numerous medical challenges,beginning with a diagnosis of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis at the age of three. Her indomitable spirit and zest for adventure never wavered.

Debbie had a deep love for music, especially artists like the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, and Linda Ronstadt. Attending concerts and Broadway shows brought her great joy. She was also an avid fan of television shows such as M*A*S*H, Family, and Jeopardy. Debbie had a keen interest in meteorology and enjoyed keeping track of the weather.

One of her unique hobbies was collecting quarters and creating quarter books for friends and family. She would even ask for quarters from anyone traveling, ensuring a fresh supply. In her healthier days, Debbie sold crafts, and worked as an AVON representative. She had a generous heart and would purchase seasonal candy on sale to give to others. Traveling was another passion of hers, visiting friends in Taiwan and exploring Arizona and Mexico.

Despite enduring numerous surgeries, including joint fusions, and surviving a car accident in 1983 that resulted in brain trauma and prosopagnosia, the inability to recognize faces. Through all this Debbie remained resilient. She faced breast cancer in the mid-eighties with the same determination.

In November 2017, after a fall that resulted in a broken hip, Debbie resided at Pine Valley Nursing Home. She maintained contact with her retired Arthritis Doctor, Dr. Jerome Meyer, who provided exceptional care and support over the years. Her transition to the nursing home was challenging. Social workers, nurses, aides and therapists showed immense patience and dedication in assisting her.

Debbie is survived by her son, Noah, and her brothers, Harold Hass (Penny) and Thomas Hass (Mary). She leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a wide circle of loyal and dedicated friends who have been by her side for 40 to 66 years. Diane Rockstroh, Pat Comerford, Brenda and Richard Evans, Lou Ventre, Rochelle Larghi, and Richard Arnold have been like angels on earth to her. Her family can never thank them enough.

Debbie's parents, Norman and Estelle Hass, her grandmother Sarrah Weissman, her aunt and uncle Bill and Tillie Tierney, and her cousins George and Alice McBean preceded her in death. She was also deeply loved by her dog, Whitey.

Debbie's educational journey led her to graduate from Mercy University with a degree in Education, followed by a master's degree in the same field. In her career, Debbie started working at E.J. Korvettes as a teenager. After college, she became a business teacher at BOCES. Unfortunately, her career was cut short due to the head injury in 1983.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Debbie's name to the NY Arthritis Foundation(https://www.arthritis.org/local-offices/ny) or United Hospice in New City, NY (https://unitedhospiceinc.org/).

Debbie's vibrant spirit, resilience, and unwavering determination will be remembered by all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, kindness, and love that will continue to inspire those whose lives she touched.

A graveside service and burial for Deborah Lynn will be held Thursday, November 2, 2023 at 1:00 PM at New Montefiore Cemetery, 1180 Wellwood Ave., West Babylon, NY 11704.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MJHigginsNewCity.com for the Hass family.