Mrs. Debra "Debbie" (Fontana) DeLaFleur

UTICA - Mrs. Debra “Debbie” (Fontana) DeLaFleur, age 63, passed away on Wednesday, March 8, 2023. Debbie was born in Utica on November 4, 1959. She was the daughter of Gail V. (Burlingham) Fontana and the late Robert R. “Bob” Fontana. Debbie was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. She furthered her studies at the Utica School of Nursing where she received her New York State License as a Registered Nurse. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree from the State University of New York. On September 17, 2005 she wed Fred DeLaFleur with whom she shared a loving and mutually devoted marriage. Debbie was a Registered Nurse at St. Elizabeth Hospital for many years. In subsequent years, she was employed by the Lutheran Homes and the House of the Good Shepherd. Health issues eventually precluded her from working in health care. After retiring from nursing, Debbie was able to spend quality time with Fred and her cat, Curtis. She adored children and enjoyed babysitting. Once she left health care, she was able to enjoy lunch dates with friends and former co-workers, sharing laughs and reminiscing. Debbie had a generous heart and was a “best friend” to her mom. They had a beautiful relationship and did everything together. She adored her niece Alison and nephew Dan. Debbie shared a special bond with Alison, they spent a considerable amount of time together. Debbie thought of Alison as a daughter. She was thrilled to become a great aunt to Nathan and showered him with all the love in her heart. Whatever she had she shared. She went above and beyond for her family, always focusing on their needs. She held a charitable, humble heart and always looked for the good in everyone. She had a great talent for knitting and shared her creations with her loved ones. She practiced her Catholic faith as a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Debbie is survived by her beloved husband, Fred; her mother and best friend, Gail V. Fontana; her brothers and their spouses, Robert J. “Rob” Fontana and Charles A. Jones, and Michael R. “Mike” and Gail A. Fontana. She also leaves her niece, Alison Fontana-Jennings; her nephew, Daniel Fontana; and her great-nephew, Nathan Jennings. She also leaves behind her in-laws and members of Fred’s family; and many friends. She was predeceased by her life-long friend and Maid of Honor, Ann Vallee. The family is grateful to the staff of the MVHS Rehabilitation & Nursing Center for their care and compassion. In keeping with Debra’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Debra’s Memorial Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, 648 Jay St. There will be an opportunity to greet Debbie’s family at the conclusion of Mass. For those unable to attend, the mass may be viewed live online at https://www.youtube.com/c/stmaryofmountcarmelblessedsacrament. Inurnment will take place at Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum at the convenience of the family. Fond memories and messages of encouragement may be shared at www.EannaceFuneralHome.com.

Mrs. Debra "Debbie" (Fontana) DeLaFleur

November 4, 1959 - March 8, 2023