Obituaries
Deborah Anne De Hont, 66
January 26, 2023
Deborah Anne Blackwood De Hont, who was this woman? Well, I’ve known her for over 41 years. I’ve been married to her for 40 plus years.
The first time I met her was for a wedding we were both in, she for the bride and I for the groom. She would laugh every time I would tell her it was love at first sight and that I knew immediately that she would be the love of my life. Well, I was right.
She had such joy for life. She loved music, boxing, MMA, football, the ID channel, and Judge Judy. She loved to play pool and shuffleboard, and was damn good at both, as some of you TOA members found out once we moved here. We were bar hounds early on and happy hour hounds once we moved here.
This 5’4″ 110 lb. woman was one of the strongest women I’ve ever met. She was also one of the kindest and caring women you could ever know.
My career required a lot of long hours and significant travel. She raised the kids and ran the household, never complaining or asking for anything. Well, she did have a penchant for buying expensive pocket books, which I didn’t know about until we packed to move here and I found 9 full crates of brand new ones still with the price tag on them. She loved concerts and made it a point to buy the best seats in the house.
Her greatest love was her 3 kids. She raised them to love many of things she loved, but also pushed them to love what they wanted to love. She had a great, but weird, sense of humor and thankfully all three of them have it too. I have to say, my 3 kids are really smart. Throughout the years I’ve told many people that Debbie must be a genius because they didn’t get their smarts from me, as many of you have already told me, you agree.
All kidding aside, Debbie was a friend to many, a great mother, and the best wife a man could have. She had to fight so many mental and physical problems, yet she never, ever complained. Her battle with ovarian cancer was a real challenge. She beat it the first time it reared its ugly head. Then, during her second bout, she fought like hell just like she did with every other obstacle she faced.
We’re here today to celebrate Debbie’s life not to mourn her loss. Hopefully, when you think of Debbie, a smile comes across your face, I know it will when I do.
Our wedding song was “Until the Twelve of Never, by Johnny Mathis. One of the the lyrics is “until the twelfth of never I’ll still be loving you”. Yes Deborah, until the twelfth of never we will all still be loving you.
God bless my love, until we meet again.
Debbie is survived by her loving husband, Raymond J. De Hont, of Lititz; parents, Francis and Ellen Blackwood; children, Raymond F. De Hont, husband of Jacqui, of Minneapolis, Candice, wife of Russell Freer of San Bruno, CA, and Shannon “Mush”, wife of Sean DeHarde of Sewickley, PA; grandchildren, Violet, Teddy, and Felix, and a sister, Tracy Kirchner.
Friends will be received on Thursday, February 2, 2023, at the Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543, from 3 to 5 PM, with a memorial service to follow. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Watch the tribute videoLeave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
February 03, 2023
Very sorry for your loss Ray, Deb was always a fun person to be around and I still remember her laugh and quick sense of humor. May she be in peace now, God Bless
February 02, 2023
Ray and family, Karen and I are so sad to hear of Deb’s passing. We will never forgot the wonderful times we shared, and your and Deb’s kindness, friendship, support and compassion when Karen and I needed it most has not, and will never be, forgotten.
Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Karen and Keith Mozzone
February 02, 2023
Dear Ray, Ellen, Frank, Tracy and family, I was so saddened to hear of the passing of Deborah! I have such found memories of my dear friend Tracy’s older sister that date back to the 70’s when my family and the Blackwoods were next door neighbors. Her sense of humor and adventurous spirit were so evident even from her teenage years. My heart aches for you all and my thoughts are with you all at this difficult time. And Ray, I want to say what a lovely tribute you have created with your words and pictures of a women who faced life and all that it brought with a such brave and joyful spirit!
Warm Regards,
Judy Felton Riemer
February 01, 2023
We are deeply saddened at the news of the loss of your beautiful wife. Such a loss to our TOA community. Thank you for this loving tribute which helped us to know her better
Your family is in our prayers for peace and comfort.
Mary and Mike O’Connor
January 31, 2023
Ray, so sorry for your loss. I thought of you often and I am really sorry that you’ve lost the love of your life. Stay strong…
January 30, 2023
My deepest sympathy Raymond to you and your family. Debbie fought a brave fight and will now have peace. Your memories of all the good times will bring smiles and comfort at the difficult days ahead. All our love, Carol Jaworski and the Piccirillo family.
January 30, 2023
Ray, I just learned of Debbie’s passing and wanted to send my condolences to you and family. I was aware of her illness although you and I never talked about it, I know we shared many of the same experiences as I just lost my partner in crime to the same disease. I know full well what you both went through and from your obit she was every bit the fighter that Barbara was. I applaude you for standing by her and supporting her through this illness. All the best to you and family and hope to see you in the golf course more this year. We will share a beer as we add up our big numbers. Stay strong, Don Palmatary.
January 30, 2023
Ray, Diane and I just read your touching obituary for Debbie. We are so sorry for your loss and our condolences are extended to you and your family. What we knew of Debbie at TOA get togethers was that of a strong and persevering woman who met her physical challenges head on and lived her life to the fullest. I recall our European river cruise this past summer where she would get up early at 5 am with Diane to take aerobic classes and was at the head of all the walking tours we would take. Truly a ” one of a kind person”. No doubt all of the wonderful memories will sustain and provide comfort for you in the future, Ray. Jim LaPlante
January 30, 2023
The love and companionship Debbie gave of herself to her family signs through. Her joys in life reflect her fighting spirit. May her soul rest in peace and memories of her be a comfort at this time. May the Lord’s presence sustain you. Jim Ferguson
January 29, 2023
I went to MCHS with Debbie, and my locker was next to her. I got to see her almost every day for 4 years, and she was even then, a fun,thoughtfull, funny person to be around. I had to open her locker many times because she had a tough time with the dialing the lock. I think she just liked me to do it for her. May God rest her soul and she RIP my friend. Dear Lord I hope there are no lockers to keep here spare wings in up there big guy! George W Bono
January 29, 2023
A beautiful & heartfelt tribute to your amazing wife Raymond. Our hearts are broken but we are thankful for all the memories we shared & will continue to share during our family get togethers. I pray you all feel her loving angel wings wrapped around you to give you strength & bring you peace. Always in our hearts. patricia jaworski
January 29, 2023
Kevin and I are so very, very sorry at Debbie’s passing. I will definitely miss our frequent phone calls and “solving the problems of the world. ” Her sense of humor kept me going many times. Rest in Peace, friend. Ellen and Kevin Healy
January 29, 2023
Ray, my condolences to you and your family. I never met Debbie, but from what I’ve seen you say about her, she was an angel on earth as she will be in heaven. Stay strong my friend and enjoy your grandchildren. Charles Barr
- Visitation
- Thursday, February 02, 2023
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 3110 Lititz Pike
- Lititz, PA 17543
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Thursday, February 02, 2023
- 5:00 PM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 3110 Lititz Pike
- Lititz, PA 17543
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions >
