Deborah Cole, 63, of Trenton NJ passed away peacefully at home on October 4, 2025, while surrounded by family and friends.

Deborah was born in Trenton, NJ and lived in Bordentown, NJ before moving to Trenton, NJ. A 1980 graduate of Bordentown Regional High School, Deborah enrolled in Mercer County Community College and earned an AAS in 1982. Deborah went on to earn a BS degree from Juniata College in 1984 and obtained a MS degree in 1988 from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in analytical chemistry and microbiology. Deborah worked as a summer intern in the NJ State Police Office of Forensic Sciences in 1983 and 1984. After graduation from college, she worked in local laboratories before joining the Office of Forensic Sciences in 1989. Deborah worked with many administrations and helped bridge the gap between forensic scientists and State Troopers working in the field. Knowledge and expertise were shared due to partnerships formed under her direction. Deborah was instrumental in developing an understanding of synthetic cannabinoids and worked closely with the NJ Attorney General to pass stringent laws controlling these dangerous substances.

After the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, Deborah volunteered at the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to help identify victims. As her career progressed, Deborah served as the quality coordinator for the Office of Forensic Sciences and helped improved quality processes within the lab. Deborah was a joyful inspiration to many, and she delighted in helping college students, teaching at schools, mentoring interns, doing research projects. She made her mission to make the lab a fun place to work. In addition to her career in forensic sciences, Deborah was an executive board member with the CWA 1033 local union, supporting workers and fighting for fair contracts.

Since moving to her home on Lamberton Street in 1993, Deborah was active in the local community. She was President of the South Trenton Area Residents Society (STARS) and helped fight for community needs including addressing crime in the area. Deborah advocated for and was involved with the development of Trenton's South Riverwalk Park, a beautiful open space along the Delaware River that residents will continue to enjoy for many years to come.

At home, Deborah made her yard into a beautiful sanctuary with flower gardens and a koi pond that is a welcome respite for all that come to visit. She was also a talented musician and enjoyed playing in various bands throughout her life. Deborah has trained many scientists and shared her wisdom on raising self-reliant kids, caring for kittens, pool maintenance, conflict resolution, gardening, outdoor activities, dangerous phone apps to avoid, hitching a trailer, installing security systems, crafting metal jewelry, and much, much, much more. And all the while, teaching the most important lesson, don't take shit from anyone. Total legend. Her friends and family could always count on her to get out of a jam. A great companion for travel, for concerts, and for just admiring the wonders of the world. She is loved. She is respected. She is a force. She will be missed by many. Deborah is predeceased by her father, Robert Alfred Cole, mother Annette Cole (nee Pasquale), and her brother Robert Anthony Cole. She is survived by her daughter Kylie Cole, cousin Jennifer Cross, and godson Stacey Johnson.

A Visitation will be held on Friday October 10, 2025, from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the Peppler Funeral Home, 122 Crosswicks Street, Bordentown.

A prayer service for Deb will be held on Saturday October 11, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at the funeral home.  Interment will take place at Bordentown Cemetery on Crosswicks Street in the St. Mary's section.

If you'd prefer, in lieu of flowers, please support your local animal shelter