Judy A Debone

Judy A. DeBone, 81 of Westfield, IN passed away peacefully, Thursday, September 30, 2021, at her home, surrounded by family. Judy was born August 9, 1940, in Pittsburgh, PA to the late James and Mary Barone of Turtle Creek, PA. Judy was a Registered Nurse, graduated from Montefiore Hospital School of Nursing, affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh in 1961.

Judy was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Carmel, IN. Additionally, she was a member of Psi Iota Xi Sorority-Elkhart Chapter in Elkhart, IN, and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus at St. Philip the Apostle Parish in Morrow, OH. In addition to her nursing career, Judy also took somewhat of a sabbatical to earn her Real Estate and Broker’s license in Elkhart, IN Judy also worked in floral design part-time while in Elkhart, IN, and eventually in Maineville, OH.

Her nursing career took many turns throughout her life. Judy worked for the Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball Team in first aid and was honored to be with them during the seasons featuring all-stars Roberto Clemente and Willie Stargell. After graduation, Judy worked for the Central Blood Bank of Pittsburgh and eventually met her husband, Bill, which turned into a 56-year marriage; surviving multiple career moves that they enjoyed while growing their family. During their years in Fairmont, WV, Judy was an RN for the Fairmont Miner’s Clinic. It was there that they welcomed their daughter, Dina. Following three years in Fairmont, they moved back to the Pittsburgh Area where they welcomed son, Don. Another relocation took the family to the metro Atlanta, GA area where she focused on raising her children, while taking time to do private duty nursing care.

Her next stop was Elkhart, IN, where her nursing career had her working for two oral surgeons, as well as setting up a new practice for an OBGYN physician. After a brief move to Severna Park, MD, she returned to the Elkhart area and continued her nursing career until relocating to the greater Cincinnati Area in 1992.

Judy worked for Kings School System for 8 years and given the honor of inclusion on their retiree tree at Kings Mill Elementary School when she left the school system. One of her favorite positions was that of a First Aid Nurse at Kings Island Amusement Park in Mason, OH. Her grandchildren loved “Nana” working there so much that they thought she owned the park and did refer to Kings Island as “Nana’s Park”.

After retiring, she and Bill relocated to Westfield, IN to be near their children and grandchildren. What Judy’s family and friends will remember most about her was her beautiful smile, infectious laugh, and amazing sense of humor. Judy’s heart was big and generous. She never knew a stranger, and all were welcome in her home, typically with a large Italian meal waiting for them. She loved her family with everything she had, and her grandchildren were the center of her world.

Family and friends are invited to gather from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Wednesday, October 6 at Flanner Buchanan-Carmel. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am Thursday, October 7 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, with additional visitation at the church from 10:00 am to 10:45 am, followed by eulogies at 10:45 am. Presiding at the Mass, from Los Angeles, will be Father Radmar Jao, SJ, a personal family friend for many years.

Judy is survived by her husband, Bill; children, Dina Thompson and Don (Maureen) DeBone; grandchildren, Mary, Caroline, Lily, Annie and Matthew; brother, James (Elizabeth) Barone; nephew and nieces Dan (Cheri) DeBone, Debbie (Gary) Massetti, Giana (Travis) Garamaty and Alysia Barone.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Please visit flannerbuchanan.com to sign the online guest register.