Deborah Elizabeth Nardone

Debby was born in St. John’s Riverside Hospital in Yonkers, New York, and grew up with her parents, Richard and Anna Winter, and her sister, Penelope Winter Klenk. The family lived in Mount Vernon, where Debby attended Mount Vernon High School and later Pace University.

Debby met her kind and fun-loving husband in high school and both later attended Pace University. They were married at St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Mount Vernon in 1969 and moved to Shrub Oak, New York, where they gave birth to a little girl, Laura, whom they raised around close family and friends. In 1979, they followed Debby’s sister and mother to Arizona, where they bought the house that would become the family home for years to come.

After moving to Arizona, Debby encouraged and aided Richard as he founded his own business, while also working part-time and being a devoted and compassionate mother to their young daughter, Laura. The family lived in a home nearby Laura’s school, and Debby inspired in her daughter a lifelong love of learning.

It was no surprise, then, that Debby continued her own education and became a special education teacher at a local middle school. She taught some of the most challenging students—those with learning disabilities and emotional and behavioral issues. Her sense of humor, patience, and fierce loyalty to her students earned their respect and affection. Many students continued to seek her advice and guidance years after graduating from junior high school.

Debby’s passion for teaching was rivaled only by her love for her grandchildren. She retired shortly before the birth of her first grandson, Alexander, and there was no job she loved more than being his Nana. The two spent countless hours together playing make-believe, enjoying the backyard, and playing board games—a tradition that continued throughout her life. In 2015, Alex was joined by a little sister, Ella, and Debby reveled just as much in playing dress-up, doing crafts, and sharing special moments with her granddaughter. Everyone loved going to Nana’s house, where there was always laughter, love, and something fun to do.

Debby is survived by her daughter, Laura, and son-in-law, John, as well as her beloved grandchildren, Alexander and Elizabeth. Her legacy endures in every tradition, story, and act of love she left behind.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the family and friends who supported Debby throughout her lifetime.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Arizona Adopt a Greyhound, an organization close to the family’s heart.