GOLF, FLA. – Deborah F. de Cordova of the Village of Golf, FL (and formerly of Poughkeepsie and Millbrook, NY) passed away peacefully in her home on August 30, 2014. She is survived by her sister Elizabeth (BA); sons, Noel III (Trip) and Michael; daughters in law, Melissa and Anna; grandchildren Noel IV, Lane, Claire and Owen; brother in law, Peter de Cordova and many loving nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Noel (Buzz) de Cordova, Jr. The daughter of the late Carl and Dorothy Fribley, Debbie was born in Norwich, NY on February 15, 1932. She graduated from Vassar College in 1954 with a BA in Psychology and Child Study. On August 18, 1954, she married Noel. Before raising her family Debbie taught elementary school at the Child Education Foundation in NYC and at the Sidwell Friends School in Washington, DC. Debbie and Buzz moved to Poughkeepsie in 1959 where she was involved in many civic affairs including the Children’s Home; Grace Smith House; Visiting Nurse Association; Orange and Dutchess Garden Club; and Junior League. She also loved her friends in her quilt group and book club. She was a devoted spouse and mother who excelled at many creative talents including needlecrafts, gardening, flower arranging, cooking and entertaining. Debbie was an incredibly strong woman of immense faith. She was an inspiration to all who knew her because she never capitulated to the debilitation of rheumatoid arthritis, nor, remarkably, did she ever complain about it. Debbie will be missed by everyone who knew her.
A memorial service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, 20 Carroll Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 9, 2014.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Arthritis Foundation, P.O. Box 96280, Washington, DC 20077.