Debbie was born on June 22, 1953, to David and Doris Wyles, in Irvington, New Jersey. Her childhood in Whippany was filled with fond memories of time spent with her sisters, cousins, and neighborhood friends. She attended Whippany Park High School and later attended Stockton State University.
Debbie was always ready for an adventure. After college, she traveled the country, spending time in Tennessee, Colorado and Oregon. She returned to Morristown, New Jersey, where she met Michael. They married after a short time, she always said “when you know, you know.”
Debbie and Mike built their life in Frankford, New Jersey, moving their home in pieces and rebuilding it. She opened her heart and her home to all and was always certain that everyone she encountered was left with a full heart and an even fuller stomach. Debbie was a dedicated stay-at-home mom, which was the job she loved most of all. Her passion and care for her family was the food for her own soul. Her love for her children was the main focus of her life for so many years and in turn the love for her grandchildren was the same. She spent her days being present for her children and involved herself in local organizations including Girl Scouts and youth sports. She was an aide at Frankford Township School. She was also dedicated to the care of her grandchildren, and was happiest taking them on adventures, having tea parties, and making crafts.
She was a gardener and planted seeds of love, watered them with praise and kindness, and come harvest time her home was full of the fruits of that labor. She was a baker, at home and at work. Many knew her affectionately as “Debbie Doughnuts” in her time working at Shoprite of Newton. Her family was the beneficiaries of well over 20 different Christmas cookie recipes always prepared at home from scratch. Her love of the craft was shared with her children and her grandchildren, and she loved these special family moments, particularly in the holiday season.
She is survived by her husband of 46 years Michael Dolan; a daughter Allison, her husband Kyle Kays, and their two children, Nora and James; a son Jonathan, his wife Jacqueline, and their two children, Quinn and Maeve; a son David, his wife Juliana, and their son David, Jr.; a sister, Nanci, and her husband Robert Heater; a sister Lorna, and her husband Donald Welter; a sister Carmen Salguiero; a mother-in-law Frances Call; In-laws, Eugene and Frances Dolan; a sister-in law, Deb Dolan; a sister-in-law Mary, and her husband Brian Flaherty; her nieces and nephew Richard, Amy, and Miranda, as well as her many cousins. And of course, her loving Border Terrier, Merlin the Wonder Dog.
Debbie’s life and legacy is one of love and uncompromising generosity. Her selfless and caring nature was a marvel to us all. Debbie and Mike raised three children in a home full of love and support. The legacy of that love will live on as their children raise their own children in the same fashion so that they will know her heart.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Autumn. Information and updates pertaining to the celebration will be posted on the Smith-McCracken Funeral Home website, smithmccrackenfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of gifts or flowers, donations may be made in honor of Debbie to Newton Medical Center Foundation to support their Oncology Expansion Project.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
