Obituary for Debra Jane Heller (Ciccolella)
Debra Heller Obituary
We are deeply saddened to announce that Debra Jane (Ciccolella) Heller lost a short battle with cancer on June 1, 2023, with her family at her side. She was born on March 10, 1958 to Elinore & Michael Ciccolella in the Bronx, New York. The Ciccolella family moved 'upstate' to Carmel, NY, where Deb was the oldest of four sisters; who are all constantly mistaken for one another to this day. Her sisters were her best friends and were as close as sisters can possibly be.
After graduating from Carmel High School in 1976, Deb went on to spend many years working for the Dept. of Parole at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility. After an early retirement, she found her true passion for pet-sitting. As an avid lover of animals, Deb developed her own small business and touched the hearts of many local pet owners and developed close friendships with her many loyal and loving clients.
Nothing was more important to Deb than her children and grandchildren. She spent her "free" time helping to shuffle her three granddaughters to their dance classes, soccer practices and school events. She rarely missed a dance competition, soccer game, school concert or any other important event in their lives. "The girls" were very fortunate to have their grandma living with them in an apartment attached to their home for the past 5 years - they have made countless memories.
Debra was predeceased by her beloved mother Ellie and her father Mike. She leaves behind a heartbroken family including her daughter Danielle (Al) Ibrahim, son Christopher Grady & granddaughters Juliana Grady-Perez, Selena and Maiya Ibrahim; her sisters Lauri (Peter) LaPick, Gina (John) Kreso, Michelle (Russell) Oakley and many nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and pet-sitting clients. Debra also leaves behind her precious cat Otis (but has an abundance of other pets waiting for her at the rainbow bridge).
A memorial service to celebrate Debra's life will be held in July. There will be no standard services per her wishes; instead, a wonderful party to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers; donations to various charities Deb supported will be accepted. All are welcome - details to follow.
We are deeply saddened to announce that Debra Jane (Ciccolella) Heller lost a short battle with cancer on June 1, 2023, with her family at her side. She was born on March 10, 1958 to Elinore & Michael Ciccolella in the Bronx, New York. The Ciccolella family moved 'upstate' to Carmel, NY, where Deb was the oldest of four sisters; who are all constantly mistaken for one another to this day. Her sisters were her best friends and were as close as sisters can possibly be.
After graduating from Carmel High School in 1976, Deb went on to spend many years working for the Dept. of Parole at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility. After an early retirement, she found her true passion for pet-sitting. As an avid lover of animals, Deb developed her own small business and touched the hearts of many local pet owners and developed close friendships with her many loyal and loving clients.
Nothing was more important to Deb than her children and grandchildren. She spent her "free" time helping to shuffle her three granddaughters to their dance classes, soccer practices and school events. She rarely missed a dance competition, soccer game, school concert or any other important event in their lives. "The girls" were very fortunate to have their grandma living with them in an apartment attached to their home for the past 5 years - they have made countless memories.
Debra was predeceased by her beloved mother Ellie and her father Mike. She leaves behind a heartbroken family including her daughter Danielle (Al) Ibrahim, son Christopher Grady & granddaughters Juliana Grady-Perez, Selena and Maiya Ibrahim; her sisters Lauri (Peter) LaPick, Gina (John) Kreso, Michelle (Russell) Oakley and many nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and pet-sitting clients. Debra also leaves behind her precious cat Otis (but has an abundance of other pets waiting for her at the rainbow bridge).
A memorial service to celebrate Debra's life will be held in July. There will be no standard services per her wishes; instead, a wonderful party to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers; donations to various charities Deb supported will be accepted. All are welcome - details to follow.