Debbie Kull

Debbie Kull was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She had a generous and magnanimous heart, sharp and sarcastic humor, an exuberant personality, and a fierce devotion to her family and friends. She left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Debbie grew up in Newark, New Jersey, and moved to Union at the age of 10. She lived in Union into her twenties, when she and her then-fiancé, Peter, moved to Minnesota as he pursued an opportunity to play Canadian football. They married in Minnesota before eventually returning to New Jersey, where Debbie spent the rest of her life.

Debbie's working life began with a memorable misadventure at a bakery. She accidentally dropped a cake onto a shelf of other cakes and was left with the task of cleaning all the shelves. She was subsequently fired, but the experience gave her a story that was simply too good not to tell. Debbie had a gift for storytelling and knew how to make people laugh.

As a young woman, Debbie dreamed of joining the Navy, but her father refused and directed her toward teaching instead. Teaching was not her calling. After returning from Minnesota, she began working for the State of New Jersey, where she built a career spanning more than 40 years. She was also an author, sharing her voice through both her writing and her stories.

One of Debbie's greatest gifts was her ability to listen. No matter what her family or friends were going through, she made herself available. They could turn to her knowing she would hear them out and be there for them. She was a loyal and steadfast presence in the lives of the people she loved.

Debbie's generosity extended beyond her family. She volunteered reading books at a Jewish library and also volunteered to help the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), supporting causes that mattered to her.

A lifelong Elvis Presley fan, Debbie also loved politics, good food, movies, and television. She enjoyed watching Jeopardy!, trying new foods, playing games on Facebook and her phone, and talking with her children and friends. She found joy in life's everyday pleasures, especially when she could share them with others.

Family was at the center of Debbie's world. She loved Jewish holidays, Thanksgiving, weddings, and bar and bat mitzvahs, especially the opportunities to bring everyone together. She adored children and fiercely defended her family. She demonstrated that devotion when she traveled all the way to China in her 60’s to attend her son's wedding, proving she really would go to the ends of the earth for the people she loved.

Debbie is survived by her beloved husband, Peter Kull; her sister, Ruth McGauley; her children, Jonathan Kull and Faith Bar-Shimon; and her grandchildren, Rae Kull, Jacob Kull, Elijah Bar-Shimon, and Aviva Bar-Shimon.

Debbie will be remembered for her sharp wit, her stories, her generosity, and her unwavering love for her family. Above all, she will be remembered as someone who listened without hesitation, stood up for the people she loved, and made herself available no matter what. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

May she rest peacefully in heaven, reunited with loved ones who went before her and surrounded by the love she gave so freely throughout her life.

The family will be receiving guests at the Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel, 68 Old Short Hills Road, Livingston, New Jersey 07039, on October 26, 2026, from 12:15 pm to 12:45 pm, followed by the funeral service at 1:00 pm to 2:00.

The live stream available at: https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/125476.

Burial will follow at Beth Israel Cemetery, 1098 Woodbridge Center Drive, Woodbridge Township, New Jersey 07095, on October 26, 2026 at 2:30 pm.