Deborah A. Burnette, 61, broke our hearts when she left us on

July 27, 2023, at Community Medical Center in Toms River, NJ.

She was surrounded by loving family and friends who miss her

but are thankful that she has been freed from illness and pain.

Debbie was born January 3,1962 in Portsmouth NH to the late

Robert L. Smith and the late Anna Bellini while her father was

serving in the US Air Force. The family later returned to New

Jersey and settled in Lanoka Harbor where Deb spent her

childhood. She attended local school s and participated in

several sports. Deb was a 1980 graduate of Central Regional

High School where she was a popular member of the softball

team. She then studied fastpitch softball at Ocean County

College.

Deb had several different jobs before deciding to join law

enforcement. Much of her career was spent as a Sergeant with

the New Jersey Office of Corrections

In her retirement Debbie enjoyed shopping gardening, eating,

fishing, music and watching sports. She was an avid fan of

both the Mets and the Liberty and, when possible, loved to

attend games.

She was a member of the NJ Retired Police & Firemen’s

Association, Lacey Elks #2518, Lacey Moose Lodge #1907 and

the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Deb’s dogs were her “Kidz” and her favorite thing to do was to

spend time with them. She absolutely loved her fur-babies and

left them with loving families.

In addition to her “Kidz, Debbie leaves behind her brother

Kevin (Carolyn) of Arizona, her sister Karen DiFortuna (Jerry)

of Forked River NJ, nieces, nephews, great nephews, a great

niece, cousins, and friends all of whom will remember her with

love.

Services for Debbie will be private.