Deborah "Debbie" Jeanne Youngs , 68, passed away Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at Capital Health Medical Center, Hopewell. She was preceded in death by parents, Jeanne Elyse Rockhill Youngs and William James Youngs; sister and brother-in-law Susan Willmarth and Samuel James Gallino. She is survived by sisters Pamela Youngs Runyon of Georgetown, TX, and Maralee Townsend Youngs of New York City; niece Tracey Gallino Cobb; nephew Edwin "Ted" C. Runyon Jr.; niece Nancy Gallino Andrews; niece Jeanne Elyse Runyon; great-nephew Christopher Cobb; great-niece Maddison Cobb, and great-nephew James Andrews.

Born in Trenton, NJ, Debbie grew up and resided in Chesterfield before moving to Columbus in 2021. A graduate of St. Mary's Hall in Burlington, NJ, she was active in basketball, field hockey, bowling, and tennis, earning the position of President of the Athletic Association. Debbie attended Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey), where she obtained both a BS in Early Childhood Education and an MA in School Counseling.

Debbie had a passion for life and unbounded energy, complemented by her red curls and a beautiful smile that often hinted at a mischievous prank or joke. Her love of the outdoors started during childhood—exploring the wooded countryside surrounding her family home—and continued through her life: boating on the St. Lawrence River, Lakes Powell and Winnipesaukee; hiking in Sedona, the Grand Canyon, the Hopi and Navajo reservations, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, South Dakota; birding and animal-watching from Vermont to Florida; and exploring cities of Europe. Always creating great memories, Debbie fed her thirst for adventure in various ways, such as braving Times Square on New Year's Eve, driving through snowstorms, and walking undaunted into hard-rock concerts at the age of 50+.

Debbie's career as an educator—and her creativity, determination, unprecedented empathy, and sense of humor—has had a lasting impact on countless students as well as fellow staff members. Without compromising her integrity, Debbie challenged her own perceptions and had an authentic interest in others. Those fortunate enough to have known Debbie can instantly recall her natural curiosity, her laugh, and her veracious love for her family, friends, and animals.

A celebration of Debbie's life will take place later in 2022. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. Honorary donations may be made to FoxChase.org/giving or BestFriends.org. Arrangements are under the direction of Peppler Funeral Home, Bordentown, NJ.