Susan Deborah “Debbie” (Lee) Vazquez
March 25, 1958 - March 2, 2024
It is with great sadness that the family of Susan Deborah “Debbie” (Lee) Vazquez announces her unexpected passing on March 02, 2024. Born in London, England on March 25, 1958. Debbie attended Immaculate Conception Academy in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, where she met her sweetheart, the love of her life, soul mate and husband, Juan “Johnny” Vazquez; both inseparable ever since. It was always Debbie & Johnny. There was no Debbie without Johnny or Johnny without Debbie.
Debbie often said, “Family and friends mean the world to me.” This rang true every day of Debbie’s life; her world revolved around her family and friends. From phone calls, to zoom chats, to annual family outings, to sharing informal and formal meals, to entertaining, to classmate reunions, to adventures near and far, to helping in times of sadness and difficulty, and celebrating the good times, Debbie was there for it all. A true matriarch of her time, she always put in the effort to ensure family stayed connected, birthdays/anniversaries were celebrated, friends were reunited and that everyone was looked after and having fun.
With the welcoming nature of her smile and the warmth of her hugs, Debbie was deeply loved and cherished by many. Her departure comes as a great shock and a deep wound, and it is gravely felt by her entire family and countless others who loved her greatly in her wide network of community. Her absence will be felt by everyone fortunate enough to have known her.
Strongly devoted to her faith, Debbie shared her love, kindness, and talent through volunteering at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church as a financial consultant for annual carnivals, bingos, and other church events. Debbie dedicated 25 years of her life working for New Castle County. In retirement, she embraced a rich and fulfilling life surrounded by family and friends. She found joy in everything she did including hanging out on the Sassafras River, watching her granddaughter’s soccer games, attending Spyder rallies, hiking and camping on weekend getaways, cruising to beautiful destinations, and visiting family any chance she could. Debbie was always ready for an adventure.
She was the loving mother of Jose (Casey) Vazquez and grandmother of her treasured Zoe. Cherished daughter of Gloria and the late Archie Lee. Caring sister of the late Michael Lee, Steven (Madelaine) Lee, Judy (Michael) Mihelich, Roger (Shannon) Lee, Val (Robert) Townsend, Jim (Andrea) Lee, and Dan (Beverly) Lee. Thoughtful sister-in-law to Joe (Gisselle) Vazquez. Beloved Titi Debbie to many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Little Sisters of the Poor, Jeanne Jugan Residence, 185 Salem Church Rd, Newark, DE 19713, or to a charity of choice.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6-8 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church; 345 Bear Christiana Rd, Bear, DE. A funeral mass will begin at 10:30 am on Friday, March 22, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. Immediately following, the family welcomes all to gather in the church hall for light refreshments and share fond memories. The mass will be streamed at https://setonparish.net/livestream.
Debbie will be laid to rest at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery at a later date.
1 Corinthians 13:13: So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
John Lodge LT.-Ret.-NCCPD
Recalling fond memories of our work encounters when we worked together at New Castle County Govt. A more genuine person whose smile warmed you whenever you were in her presence could not be found. Sending my prayers to Sue’s family during this most difficult time. I know that she is watching over her loved ones with a warm and loving embrace and that loving smile. Sue, may you find peace in Our Lord’s House.
Ana Rita Perez Acevedo
Dear Johnny, Jose, Zoe, Mrs. Lee, Judy, Steven, Val and siblings. My heart goes out to you and all the family. Debbie was a true friend as mentioned in her obituary, she always remembered my birthday (couple of days of, :-)) but throughout the years as kids in PR until recently when we were neighbors again in Florida we kept our friendship alive. May all the memories give you comfort. Until we meet again sweet Debbie.
Ivan Hernandez Vazquez
I am so heartbroken, she came to visit Andre’s birthday 12/26/2023 . She was amazing and my shopping partner , when we went cruise … ❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏 we will miss you ❤️❤️❤️
Gisela Torres
Johnny! Lo siento muchísimo, espero que Dios te de el consuelo que necesitas tanto!
Un abrazo
Kathy Young
Sue’s smile was such a ray of sunshine. She will be missed. My sincere condolences to her husband and family. Thoughts and prayers for comfort for her whole family. Rest in peace Sue.
Gianna Vazquez
Titi I will love and miss you forever. The memories will remain in my heart. Tio Johnny
Te amo mas de lo que pueda describir con palabras. Mi corazón esta allá contigo y la familia.
María Roselló
My deep condolences for Steven and her beloved family. RIP.
Nicole Shanks
Our deepest sympathies from my whole family to yours. This is such a huge loss. Debbie was an amazing person, who will be deeply missed. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Deon Waters
Our deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers from the DMV Spyder Ryder family.
deborah dodd
Dear Johnny. Mi mas sentido pésame..pensando y orando por ti durante este tiempo tan difícil . Un abrazo fuerte. , Deborah dodd
Miguelito Barletta
Johny recibe un fuerte abrazo y mis condolencias para ti y tus hijos. Lamentable la pérdida de Debbie, siempre la recuerdo con su buen humor. Fortaleza
Miguelito Barletta
Johny recibe un fuerte abrazo y mis condolencias para ti y tus hijos. Lamentable la pérdida de Debbie, siempre la recuerdo con su buen humor. Fortaleza.
Al &Kathy Garbayo
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Debbie Valzquez. Meeting her was a pleasure, hearing about her travels with Johnny was inspiring. Her passion and love for her family shone brightly in every conversation. My heart goes out to the family during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the beautiful memories she left behind. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Via con dios.
Al n Kathy Garbayo
Alma Collazo
Familias Vazquez y Lee, Mi Gran Pesame para Ustedes! Dios esta con Todos Siempre!!
Bendiciones y Abrazos Alma Collazo
Cheryl Harding
I am so sorry for your sudden loss. Hugs and prayers for the family.
Kathy Tucker Levin
Sue was a good soul who truly made the world a better place; always positive and with a generous spirit. My sincere condolences to Juan and family.
Peter and Denise Lee
To the Lees and Vazquez families, our Heartfelt Sympathy goes out to you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very sad time. Debbie touched many lives and brought smiles to people around her. we are very grateful to have known her. May Debbie’s loving and joyful memories give you strength and comfort during this difficult time.
Sincerely, Peter, Denise, Wendy, Ryan and Liam
Sister Mildred vazquez, MSBT
Querido Johnny, mis condolencias por la separación, Ida al cielo de Debby. No tuve el privilegio de conocer personalmente a Debby, solamente por las redes, por mensajes, cuando me contactó porque quería venir contigo a visitarme a Philadelphia en uno de mis viajes. Me hubiera encantado que esto se hubiera dado, pero no fue asi. Espero podamos encontrarnos en alguna ocasió y darte el abrazo que no te di a ti ni a ella. Mi corazón y mis oraciones están contigo y Debby. “Porque la vida de los que en ti creemos Señor, no termina, se transforma” y ella goza ya de la verdadera felicidad.
Tu prima Mildred Vazquez
ROWENA LILES
Her pleasant personality really drew you in. So happy to have shared some good memories working for NCC.
Gloria Martinez
Johnny…mis más sinceras condolencias para ti y toda la familia. Dios les conceda fortaleza y consuelo. Siempre recordaremos su bella sonrisa.
Descanse en paz…un abrazo..
Brenda Fung-On
Our deepest condolences to Johnny & the Vazquez and Lee families. Debbie will be greatly missed. She was always so kind loving and joyful and will be greatly missed. Prayers for comfort and Strenght to the families. May she rest in peace.
The Fung-On family
Eunice Kindle
Juan, I’m so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family. I hope all of your good memories of you and your wife help you get through the pain and sorrow. Sincerely, Eunice
Mercedes Brown
Sending you and your family my deepest condolences and holding you in my prayers.
Abrazos
Mercedes
Harrie Kaufman
Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your beautiful, sweet hearted and loving Debbie. I worked with “Sue” at the County and we even had a few “all nighters” together repairing the payroll database. She was the most gentle, soft spoken and generous woman. Seeing her and Juan together was like watching the most perfect marriage any two people could have. I cannot imagine how Juan and their son Jose and his family will get through this terrible and unexpected loss. May God watch over you all and let your memories of Debbie sustain you through today and the days, months and years ahead.
SILVIA BISHOP
My deepest condolences to your family in this time of sorrow. May God bless you with peace and strength. My prayers are with your family.
Anthuanette pallette
Fue un gusto haberte conocido mi hermosa debbie,Gracias por todo el amor y cariño que me brindaste a mi y a mi hijo.Siempre estuviste presente en los momentos mas dificiles de mi familia que fue la muerte de mi hermano😢 nunca te olvidaremos,Dios le de mucha fortaleza a tu inseparable esposo Johnny a tu nieta Zoe a tu hijo Jose y a mi queridisima Gloria💔 Vuela alto mi querida Debbie.We love you ever🙏❤️🩹😥
Fernando Cevallos Candau
Querido Johny;
Que pena tan grande hemos tenido con esta noticia. Kathleen y yo siempre la recordaremos con su sonrisa y alegría, tal com la vimos en estas pasadas navidades. Debbie pasó por el mundo haciendo el bien, y no deja con ese regalo que perdurará en nuestros corazones.
Un abrazo para toda la familia extendida.
Kathleen y Fernando
Lisette
Sending heartfelt condolences to all her family. I remember Debbie from AIC, her brother Steven was my classmate and is my friend. May God give peace to her soul. En paz descanses Debbie. Luz eterna.
Anna Farro
Casey, Juan and Zoe,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of this amazing woman. I am sure she has left her mark on all that met her. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Angie Gonzalez
Querido Johnny y familia Vazquez y Lee. Siento mucho que Debbie no esté con nosotros. Ella fue embajadora de la amistad. Nos dejará un vacío. Estoy constante que Dios la tiene en Sus brazos. Estará con nosotros siempre. Un abrazo fuerte.
Francisco “Geli” Buxó
Dear Johnny,
My deepest condolences on your loss. May God give you and your family strength to overcome these sad and difficult times. “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.” Debbie’s goodness and smile will last forever.
Claudine Eschenwald
My deepest sympathies go out to you. Debbie was the matriarch of the family and truly a special person. She will be sorely missed by all.
Thinking of you all and praying you find peace in such a difficult time.
Erlinda A. Ponce de Leon
To Juan, Jose and family…My heart aches for you on the untimely passing of Sue. I will remember Sue always for our time together as New Castle County employees and the weekends in Tomes Landing, Port Deposit, MD. She was very smart, thoughtful and a very loving wife and mother. You left too soon, Sue. Rest in peace…until we meet again…With my deepest sympathy.
Whoi, Maricel, Mia, Sy, and Maisy Lam
Dear Johnny, Jose, and the Vazquez Family and Auntie Gloria, Steve, Judy, Roger, Val, Jim, Dan and all the Lee Family
We love you and stand with you all in sorrow.
Although we rejoice in knowing that Debbie is with God in Heaven alongside Uncle Archie and Michael.
We are praying for all of you that God, along with the all the angels and saints give all of you strength and comfort
during this time of deep sorrow and pain.
Juan & Sylvia Jimenez
Our hearts go out to Debbie’s husband, family and friends. We know that you will all continue to hold her your thoughts and memories because she surely left a mark in your hearts. May her Life be remembered as a Life of Service and devotion. Are deepest condolences to all. May Debbie Rest in Peace 🙏🙏🙏
Mary Jo Vazquez
Although we cannot take away your pain, please know that we are here for you always. In the short time I met Debbie she was always there for me by checking land caring about family! Family was very important for her!
Thank you for all your caring! I will miss you!
Vivian Lugo-Eschenwald
Although Debbie was not my aunt, because she was my cousins’ aunt, I also called her Aunt Debbie. I will always remember her perpetually generous smile and her kind heart. I can’t remember many times when I said her name without adding Johnny’s right behind it. For me they were “los novios eternos,” always behaving like they just started dating- starry eyed and warmly affectionate with each other. Titi Debbie will be sorely missed and I pray that Tío Johnny, Little, Casey, Zoe, Tío Joe, Ricky, Bells, José and Scheska, and their families, and her parents and siblings and their families find solace in their fond memories of the time spent in Titi Debbie’s company. She was an angel among us.
Love and deepest condolences from Vivian and Manny, Lizzie and Puchin, Richie and Evelyn, and Guillermo José
Andres Vazquez
Words cannot express the pain I feel from your passing. You and uncle johnny were always there for me from the very beginning. I will miss the sound of your voice and your hugs! Until we meet again Titi Debbie!
Suzanne Yu
To Auntie Gloria and all of Debbie’s family: my deepest sympathy for your heartbreaking loss. May she rest in peace.
Michala Lee
My deepest condolences go out to my family for this sudden heartbreaking loss. Wishing you all peace and strength ❤️
Audrey Chan
My deepest sympathy to my dearest friend Gloria, Johnnie, Jose and family. There is a special place in heaven for Debbie, with her dad and brother. May she rest in peace.
Shirley Kim Subianto
My deepest condolences to Vasquez and Lee families especially to her mom Gloria Lee. Prayers for comfort and strength to both families. May she rest in eternal peace.
Aderlyn y Teddy Mercado
Querido Johny: nuestros pensamientos y oraciones están contigo y el resto de tu linda familia. Lamentamos no haberlos podido acompañar debido a compromisos previos. Debbie fue un ser humano hermoso, lleno de amor, dulzura y paz. A dondequiera que iba dejaba su huella. Siempre estará en nuestros corazones. Recibe un abrazo fraternal querido amigo. “Los seres que amamos permanecen con nosotros”.
Felipe la hoz
We love you and we going to miss you
You are in better place,