Deborah Jean Denefrio

Deborah Jean Denefrio (“Debbie”), 74, passed away on October 17, 2025, in Arizona, surrounded by her family after a five-year transplant journey.

Debbie was born on February 22, 1951, to Joyce and Raymond Hiles in Chicago, Illinois. She graduated from the Michael Reese Hospital School of Nursing in Chicago where she went on to be head nurse of the neurology unit. She continued her career in nursing as the head of Orthopedics, Rehab and Neurology/Neurosurgery at the University of Miami before moving to New York where she developed a passion for oncology and served as practice manager for a large oncology group and outpatient chemotherapy infusion center and later in her career as a nurse consultant. As a nurse for over five decades, Debbie brought comfort and hope to countless patients, served as a mentor to her colleagues and was a leader in nursing for outpatient chemotherapy and oncologic treatment. She was a long-time member of the American Society of Clinical Oncologists and the Oncology Nursing Society.

She met her husband John M. Denefrio, M.D., while at Michael Reese and the two were married on May 1, 1976. The couple moved to Miami for two years before moving to Blauvelt, New York, in 1978. Their daughter, Megann, was born there in 1981. In 2000, Debbie and John started splitting their time between New York and Boca Raton, Florida, becoming fulltime residents of Boca Raton in 2013. In August 2019, they decided to head west for a new adventure and settled in Mesa, Arizona, just outside of Phoenix. Debbie and John would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on May 1, 2026.

Debbie balanced a full-time career with being a dedicated and fantastic wife and mom. Debbie tirelessly supported John in his practice and Megann in all her academic, sporting and career endeavors. She never missed a tennis match, concert, awards banquet or presentation. Despite everyone having busy schedules, she mastered the thirty-minute meal long before the Food Network existed and ensured everyone was together for dinner each night as a family. Debbie supported and volunteered for numerous causes throughout her life including the Saddle River Day School Parent’s Guild, Union College Parent’s Council, Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League, A Charity Challenge, The Allianz Championship, and collected paperback books to send to our troops around the world through Operation Paperback.

Debbie’s home was always open, and she filled it with warmth, kindness and thoughtfulness. It served as a gathering place for family and friends, and she relished in hosting, especially when it involved good food, laughter and fun. Debbie found joy in decorating for every holiday, especially Christmas, and her holiday get-togethers were eagerly anticipated by family and friends. She was a talented cook and exceptional baker, known for her legendary Christmas cookies. Debbie was a voracious reader and expert crossword puzzler and, while she loved all types of games, she would level the competition with her vocabulary in a game of Scrabble. An avid tennis player and fan, Debbie had a competitive side but also had a deep appreciation for beauty in all forms, especially flowers, art, music, and ballet.

Debbie was a warrior who faced every challenge in her life with dignity, grace, beauty, grit and laughter. Debbie’s listening ear and sage advice made her a confidante and “second mom” to many. She was a force of nature and is remembered for her kindness and the deep bonds forged with family and many friends who became chosen family. The hole left by her absence is impossible to fill and she will be deeply missed by everyone whose lives she touched.

Debbie is survived by her husband John, her daughter Megann, her adored cat Squeak, her sister Susan, nieces Lydia and Emily, nephew Joshua, great-nephew Vayden, great-niece Charlotte, and a vast group of friends who became family.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Debbie’s name to Orphan Kitten Club, Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League, Operation Paperback or a charity of your choice. A celebration of Debbie’s life will be held on January 24, 2026, in Mesa, Arizona, with more details to follow.

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