We shared lots of fun times together as
we grew up next door to each other, as children we embroidered at a neighbors home who gave all the  girls on our block lessons.        ,   We always brought home our prized embroided  masterpiece.      It was a nice  pass time to keep
up
w all the block girls.          Cookies, and  sweets  were always  our favorite time as we all got to eat and talk .         I  remember the  NY  snow storm  when  everything  was closed.  We managed to walk up to metro  it was freezing ,  w hign snow all over ,   but 
we  hung out at a local bar w everyone else tha  was stuck in  .   Fun memories!

I gave DJ a dog.  He was an Australian Cattle Dog mix named Ralph.  At the time, I had 4 dogs and no kids, and DJ had 4 kids and no dogs.  I gave her Ralph because he was the smartest and sweetest of my over-sized herd, and I knew he would be good with kids.  He was.  For years after that, DJ would always thank me for the dog and tell me how much she and the girls loved him.  DJ loved dogs and family and people.  When she learned we were living at a motel after Katrina, she offered to take us in.  And she really meant it.  That was DJ.  
I met DJ through John when they were still married.  I spent a lot of time over at their house in Santa Clarita.  My clearest memory of DJ is her standing in front of the washer and dryer.  Seems like she was  always putting clothes in or pulling them out.  If John and I were writing together over at their house, he would always be doing something while we worked: cleaning off counters, washing out glasses, sweeping.  I found it funny when I asked him why:  He said, "DJ trained me."  There was too much housework for one harried mother to do, so John was at a point where it was second nature for him to be cleaning something while we wrote, without him ever thinking about it.  DJ was a good teacher.  I think John even cleaned stuff at my house, just out of habit.  
My last conversation with DJ was on the phone a good while back.  I remember her saying something about health problems, but she didn't elaborate so I didn't ask.  We promised to talk again soon, but we never did.  She was an amazing person.  She held down five jobs: one professionally outside the house, and four raising each of her terrific daughters.  Oh, yes, and one more job: teaching John how to clean.

DJ made sure my dress was looking perfect before heading to the ceremony. It was special to share such an important day with her and the rest of the Debellis family.

Wedding day hugs from DJ - a second mom for so many years. I will miss her!

Helping me get ready for my wedding day - I will always remember the countless memories growing up with the Debellis family.

On behalf of SHE IS HOPE LA, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who donated in memory of DJ DeBellis. Your generous contributions mean the world to us and will significantly aid in our mission to support and empower single mother families. 

With your support, we can continue to provide essential resources and services, ensuring a brighter future for those in need. Thank you for honoring DJ DeBellis’ memory in such a meaningful and lovely way.

Our deepest condolences…

Tisha Janigian  
President & Founder, SHE IS HOPE LA

DJ was a beautiful person with a huge heart and lovely smile. 
She will be missed by so many . I was shocked to hear of her passing. 
Donna Jean you did good!!

DJ - Beautiful Inside and Out. Loving others. Caring for Others. Smiling. A little wicked (That's a good thing) We love you DJ - Leslie & Jay Pennick

Donna and I met when her family moved across the street from us in Forest Hills when I was 10. I want to say she was 5 months older than I was. We quickly formed a great bond that transcended time. After elementary school, I moved away. We both went onto have families and lives. We came back together about 13 years ago and it was like we did not skip a beat! We actually spoke every week about anything and everything. I last spoke to her the day before she passed. I think people come in and out of your life when you most need them. I can truly say, She pushed me to be better. She had a zest for life that I will never forget.
I will miss my friend more than you'll ever know but I know she is looking down on me and smiling! Until we meet again, my friend.

I'll miss your smile & laugh & the way you never b.s.'d around anything. Your old NYC & industry stories were the best & you always knew what to say to make me feel better. My dog loved you & she was an excellent judge of character. I'll miss you so, so much.

Our work conversations always returned or centered around our daughters. So many shared stories, always full of love and smiles.
She always elevated my Girl Dad status. I will miss her but will forever hold on to those memories.
Love & Peace

I think this is 2002. I worked with your mom a lot around this time. We spent endless hours next to each other, talking about you girls all day long! She was such a kind person, excellent at her job and a devoted mom. I will miss her. Stacie (sitting next to your mom)

DJ was just the best… I’m sorry to hear she’s gone. She was the epitome of a strong, whipsmart, total pro of a woman. And funny and warm, a friend who would listen and cheer you on… The. Best.

We knew each other briefly and wrote letters to each other (pen pals), when we were 10 or 11 years old.

In Forest Hills, I believe, her parents were good friends with my Aunt and Uncle.

She was so sweet!!!

OBITUARIO

Donna Jeanne Clara DeBellis

15 agosto, 1958 – 7 junio, 2024

Eternal Valley Memorial Park & Mortuary

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