Deborah Miller Kling
Died: Oct 23, 2017
Deborah Miller Kling died on October 23, 2017, at the age of 62, in Hackettstown, NJ, after a long battle with mBC (metastatic Breast Cancer). Her courage and deep faith throughout her journey, were an inspiration to many as she chose to deny and demystify the power of cancer to conquer the human spirit. She remained thankful to God for His many blessings.
Ever the teacher, she used humor, candor, spiritual strength and love to celebrate and share blessings, even in the face of a terrible, all-too-common curse. To help the search for a cure, she elected to donate her remains to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital for medical research and education.Debbie was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and grew up in Hackettstown, New Jersey where she attended grades K-9. She attended Blair Academy as a sophomore and then graduated from Hackettstown High School. Upon getting her BA in education from Southern Connecticut State University, she returned to Hackettstown High School and taught for 33 years before retiring. She coached sports, taught PhysEd, Health, Family Life, Life Skills, Driver Education, CPR, Ski Club, Swimming and LifeGuarding. She eventually earned a Masters Degree in Education from East Stroudsburg University.Over the course of 60 years in this rural town, she eventually taught children and grandchildren of her first students. A rarity in our time, her connective understanding of the towns residents allowed her to appreciate and resonate with parents and students as friends and neighbors, because they were. She was part of the fabric of generations in Hackettstown.She will be remembered in the thousands of lives she touched as a mother, teacher, friend and colleague. Her legacy of fun, joy and purpose is treasured by her husband Stefan Kling, (also from Hackettstown) her children Samuel (wife Phoebe) of Brooklyn, Marjory of San Diego, Benjamin of Brooklyn, Maddie of Boston and stepson Owen of Nashville. She is survived by her sister Diane (husband Tim) Kasharain and nieces, Kristina and Rachel of Hope, NJ, a brother James, nieces Stella and Alba, and a sister Gwen (husband Richard) Zack and nephew Jacob and niece Hannah. She Was preceded in death by her parents, James Sherwood Miller and Nancy Taylor Miller.Her large, extended family were the pride of her life.
An open visitation with the family will be held at Trinity House (212 East Moore St., Hackettstown, NJ, behind Trinity United Methodist Church) on Saturday, November 11, from 9am to 2pm.
A memorial service will be held in the Trinity United Methodist Church (213 Main St., Hackettstown, NJ) on Sunday, November 12, from 2pm to 3pm with light refreshment afterward .
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Debbie Miller Memorial Fund c/o Trinity United Methodist Church. Having worked with the Retired Teachers Scholarship fund and Soroptimist International, it was her wish to continue to give financial assistance for education to deserving individuals from our community.
We encourage you to increase your awareness, support and involvement with the efforts to find effective treatments and cures for Cancers that affect so many of us. We are grateful for your love, support and prayers.
Condolences:
Steven Kunes
#10
December 16th, 2017 7:03 am
This is beyond sad...Debbie was a wonderful person with such a sweet soul. Although I hadn't seen her in many years, I have fond memories of her warm and caring personality, not to mention her innate sense of humor. I also remember her fondly for her intelligence and concern for people. You could not have asked for better qualifications to be a teacher. Debbie must've impacted thousands upon thousands of lives, both directly and indirectly. Bravo, Deb! Until we meet again....
Tonie & Jim Bryant
#9
November 13th, 2017 4:44 pm
Dear Stefan & family, We were so saddened by the passing of such a beautiful soul. Whereas we were unable to make her service, we were better people for knowing her. I worked with her years ago as the PTO president and Jim was on the BOE & loved her giving spirit. Please take solace in knowing how blessed we all are just for knowing her. Our prayers are with your amazing family! God Bless You All! Tonie & Jim
Kevin Barnes
#8
November 12th, 2017 11:58 am
God bless Debbie Will always remember our college years and your sending christmass card every year . Prayers to you and family . Kevin
Lianne
#7
November 12th, 2017 7:38 am
God bless you all. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sending you such love and comfort. We are all better because of Debbie... xo
Dianne Donohue
#6
November 11th, 2017 11:56 am
I am so sorry for your loss. Debbie always brightened my day when she wrote her prose and shared pictures on Facebook. It was heartbreaking to hear that the cancer came back but that didn't stop Debbie from sharing her thoughts, feelings and her deep faith in God! She made me and many others laugh when she wore her many hats while receiving her treatments. I was so upset when she posted that there was nothing more they could do for her yet she took the news with grace and courage from God!! God bless you Debbie! May you be fly on eagles' wings and may you be held in the palm of God's hand. Our loss is heaven's gain... The Donohue Family
Chris and John Black
#5
November 10th, 2017 8:23 pm
Debbie's spirit and zeal for life were an inspiration to us. We appreciated her love and open arms to embrace our daughter, Jenna, who spent much of her formative years in the Kling household with Maddie. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Kling family.
Paul & Robin Wallace
#4
November 9th, 2017 7:19 am
Dear Stefan and Family
My Wife Robin and I were saddened to hear of the passing of Debbie, and though we are sure in Christ Jesus our LORD that she is home with the LORD, the parting of a Loved one from this side of life still hurts and we have no words that can fix that.
We pray the LORD who alone can comfort will hold you all in HIS hands as you walk through this time of mourning.
May The LORD Bless You And Keep You May HE Make HIS Face Shine Upon You Through Jesus Christ Our LORD.
GOD Bless
Paul & Robin Wallace
Debbie Raphaels Cirillo
#3
November 8th, 2017 1:48 am
Our hearts and prayers go out to family and friends at this sad time. May Debbie rest in sweet peace, until we meet again.
Magno Franco
#2
November 7th, 2017 9:14 pm
I had the blessing of meeting mrs. Kling during my first month in the US. She Had such a unique charisma that it cannot be compared. Last time l saw her was during the wake ceremony for my best friend on June (2017). And had the opportunity to catch up. Her motivation, passion and charisma towards people and life, had never left her side and it seems like it will never vanish (made such a great impact in all of us). May God bless you Mrs. Kling! :)
Keith J Eshback
#1
November 7th, 2017 8:23 pm
To my dear friends, Stefan...Debbie, and family,
We have all lived a glorious life, filled with fun, love, laughter, and learning. From our neighborhood , we grew together, as kids, to young adults, to adults, in an amazing bond of friendship. So sad that you left us, yet so happy that you have found peace and solace at our Lord's side. Please save a place at his table for us. Stefan, and family, I know that your grief will turn into wonderful memories. We take our turn on this Earth, and then move on to the other side. God Bless...you are forever in my heart.....Keith Eshback
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