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DEBORAH CIBELLI Obituary

CIBELLI, DEBORAH A.Deborah "Debbie" A. Cibelli, 61, passed away on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loved ones. Debbie was the daughter of the late Alphonse Cibelli and Edith Brophy. Debbie attended Simon's Rock in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, obtained her Bachelor's degree from Wesleyan University in Middletown and completed her Master's degree at the Yale School of Nursing in New Haven. Debbie enjoyed a fulfilling 35-year career as a Certified Nurse Midwife. Debbie was a pioneer in her field who advanced nurse-midwifery in the New Haven community. She was the co-founder of Women's Health Associates, LLC, Connecticut's first private midwifery practice, with offices in North Branford and New Haven. She was respected for her clinical wisdom, her mentoring, and her dedication to quality care for all. Aside from her passion for her work, Debbie loved traveling, learning about different cultures, and seeing the world through art. She was also known to appreciate a nice piece of chocolate. She is survived by her life partner, Helen Lope de Haro M.D. of North Branford; her aunt, Anna Cibelli of Waterbury; her uncles, Domenic (Mickey) of Lexington, S.C. and Arthur Jones of Wolcott; and her cousins Heather Jones of Wolcott, Domenic (Mickey) Cibelli of Wolcott, and Jennifer Cibelli of South Carolina. She was predeceased by her parents and her aunt, Phyllis Jones.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Doctors Without Borders, an international medical humanitarian organization, on behalf of Deborah A. Cibelli: https://donate.doctorswithoutborders.org/onetime.cfm A memorial service will be held at a later date.

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Published by The New Haven Register from Feb. 10 to Feb. 12, 2017.

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Heather

January 20, 2025

I miss you cousin Deb.. I dont understand how 8 years have gone by so fast. You're truly missed everyday.

Mia Porter

September 1, 2017

Will and I just learned of Deb's passing. Our prayers go out to all of those whose lives she touched and no doubt, that list is very, very long. She exuded a positive strength and had a fierce belief in her practice that was evident in her very essence and her legacy will be passed down through the many little lives that took their first breaths in her strong arms, including those of thirteen year old baby girl. I am so grateful for Deb, Linda, and Dr. Holley who held my hand through my three pregnancies and deliveries and both Will and I have nothing but wonderful memories of all three. xoxo to all grieving and to Deb - love Mia and Will

Catherien Smith

July 12, 2017

I feel so lucky to have had Debbie (and Linda and Dr Holley) help bring our two kids into this world. This amazing trio knew that mother nature generally takes care of things and that its best to provide support and an occasional nudge to make progress. Debbie always had a quick smile, a very warm and caring heart, and terrific advice. I was so sorry to hear the news of her passing, since she seemed to have the most amazing zest for life. She will be missed.

May 30, 2017

I just learned of Debbie's passing and I feel so sad. My medical internist told me at an annual physical. I met her when she first started with Dr. Holley and Linda Liske and I always felt so fortunate to be a patient of such a wonderful skilled practice.
Debbie's skill and knowledge was matched by her warm ways and great sense of humor. She had a wonderful way of mmm along you feel comfortable. When my last son was born, in 1982, she was not scheduled to be on call, but for some reason she was there with Dr. Holley and Linda Liske. It was a tough labor and her presence was really a blessing. To all her loved ones, my sympathies and prayers are with you. May she rest in peace.
Maureen Hanna, Stamford, CT.

Sandra Weber

May 22, 2017

Our Hearts and Prayers go out to the Family. Nancy and I loved Debbie so much!! We new her for many moons as our Gynecologist. Debbie was a WARM, LOVING, CARING PERSON.We will LOVE & MISS DEBBIE DEEPLY!! REST IN PEACE!!

Sandra Weber

May 22, 2017

My sister Nancy and I did not know that Debbie passed away until we went to her office last week. We were so saddened by her passing. We loved her so much. Such a warm, kind, and caring person. We knew Debbie for many moons as our gynecologist, and any questions we asked her she made our minds at ease. We will miss her deeply. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family. Debbie will always be in our HEARTS FOREVER!! She is in God's Hands now. REST IN PEACE DEBBIE!! Sandra Weber & Nancy Redding

Sonia Ortiz

April 3, 2017

Today I was given the news that Debbi had passed away. Debbi delivered both of my daughters. She truly made a difference in this world. She believed in giving women a voice. My love and sympathy goes out to her family and her partner Helen. I'm truly heartbroken, but I know Debbi would want me and anyone that new her, to make a difference in this world. She definitely is a angel.

Kate DeNaples

March 25, 2017

I did not know Debbie had passed and my husband told me today. I was a young mom having my first at age 19. I met Debbie at Dr. Holley's office and I felt safe and loved in her care. She delievered both of my girls. I continued to see her and I would joke with friends that while most women dread annual visits to the gyn, I always looked forward to them. Debbie was a trusted person in my life who knew me well and always supported me. When I got the letter that she was retiring and having health trouble I burst into tears realizing that the last appointment I had was the last time I would see her. Hearing the news of her passing has me in tears again now. I will always remember Debbie with love.

Jennifer Brown

March 23, 2017

Debbie helped to bring my two children into the world, and then she cared for me until she left the practice. Her professionalism, warmth, and sense of humor were unparalleled. What a wonderful human being. May you dwell in the love you so generously shared, Deb.

Cindy Mann

March 19, 2017

What a wonderful human being she was! We are just back from the week in warm weather. Same time, same place as you know, for many years. I thought of her(and all of you) a lot on this trip.
Really not fair!

Patricia Welch Boudreau

March 6, 2017

Having just learned of Debbie's passing, I can honestly say I haven't felt this sadness in a while...I am so sorry for your loss. Debbie was truly a special person; may not be enough superlatives to describe the way she gave to others. My family was gifted to have a practitioner who so gracefully and professionally brought 3 of my 4 children into the world, and I gained a friend and support over 25 years. During my last visit before relocating to the West coast, I went to the New Haven office for the first time and noticed the design and cool art collected on trips-she took the time to take me on a tour to share her travel experiences and the art she collected...all I can say is Debbie was so special and I can only believe that she is in a beautiful spot in heaven right now. I pray for strength and love for those close to her left behind, including Helen and her entire family...My deepest sympathy.

Lindsay Hofmiller

March 3, 2017

Deb, you touched more people than you probably know. The very first time I worked with you I remember thinking how amazing you were and that I wanted to know as much as you one day! You are an inspiration and will truly be missed by many.

Ellen Tilton

March 2, 2017

I looked up to you in every way, Deb, and I always will.

Joy Herbst

March 1, 2017

You were one of a kind and a spectacular model of midwifery. Thank you for guiding us as we brought Ari into this world, beloved Debbie. You will always have a special place in my heart.

Linda Francisco

February 27, 2017

Hi Debbie,
So I never knew you all that well, but you alone saved my daughter, Taylor, her life. My water broke and then it resealed. You believed me and ordered me an ultrasound, and sure enough, Taylor, now 23, was almost out of fluid! So I went in the hospital 7am the next morning, and started the IV to have my beautiful daughter Taylor Christine St.John!! Inducing is one of God's jokes! The pain at the end is terrible and not being able to breathe and reset yourself for the next contraction!! But the final result, is God's gift, a baby!!!
Yes I had her natural, no drugs, and wow! Lol! Just wow!!
So as Dr. Holley, took pictures of every moment of her birth, yes I still have the pictures, lol, and it was like 6pm now, and there was a huge sale at your fav store, but it closed at 7!! " ok, lets have this baby, I have a sale to get to!!!!" Made me laugh!! But yes you made the pain stop because I laughed, but yes you got to your sale, and I am forever grateful to have had you there to save my daughters life!! Thank you for the awesome memory that has been passed to my daughter!!
I prayed for you, even though I know you got your wings immediately!!! I love you!!!

BM

February 22, 2017

My deepest condolences to the Family. Reading God's Word of hope for those have passed on is faith building and encouraging. John 6:40

Patty Harris

February 18, 2017

I just learned of Debbie's death today. Such a loss of such a spectacular person. I first started seeing Debbie while I was a graduate student at Yale in 1983. She was my clinician through birth control choices and then 4 pregnancies which included 2 miscarriages and delivery of two beautiful sons (now 28 and 22). I depended on her wisdom and advice, her humor and compassion. She was there for my best and worst moments and I thank her for 33 years of care.
My deep condolences to her loved ones. I will always remember her.

February 16, 2017

Dear Family,
I was very saddened to hear of Debbie's passing. I was a patient of hers for many, many years. I considered her a wonderful and knowledgable doctor and I was always so satisfied with my results when I left her office.
I knew she was out on a leave but never knew how sick she really was. My sincere condolences and heartfelt prayers go out to all of you in your time of sadness.
Paula Colavolpe

Stan Godlewski

February 12, 2017

How fortunate we were to have Debbie usher our children into the world. Thank you Debbie.

Joyce Diggs

February 13, 2017

I was saddened to hear of the great loss of a midwife pioneer. I first met Debbie at Dr. Holleys office. When she first took care of me I was hesitant because she looked so young. I grew very fond of her and we could talk about any and everything. It is my prayer that her transition was quiet peaceful and serene. God truly picked a special Angel. It is my prayer that the family will find comfort in the legacy and memories she left behind.

Jorgie and Arlo-thanks for bringing them into the world Debbie.

Muffy Pendergast

February 12, 2017

Debbie caught both of my babies and I was so pleased when I realized that although the business of baby making was over for me, I'd continue to see Debbie for my care...over the years she maintained a warm professional demeanor that I cherished, and I see that she has cultivated an amazing practice of young midwives who seem as though they are up to the challenge of filling some very accomplished (and stylishly practical) shoes.

Barbara Speers

February 12, 2017

Debbie was the kindest person I've ever met. Debbbie showed her true passion for taking care of others. Debbie became my midwife almost 30 years ago. From that day forward she became part of my family. She took care of me through 9 pregnancies. My family was so blessed to have such and amazing women take care of us. She truly will be missed by each of one of us. Till we meet again you will be truly missed
Love the Speers family

Karen Mapp

February 12, 2017

I am so sorry to hear about Deb's passing. I started out as one of her patients and we ended up being good friends. I remember the wonderful costume parties at her house in New Haven! When I moved to Boston, we lost touch with one another, and I didn't know that she was ill. My condolences to her family. What a loss!

Lisa Zielinski

February 12, 2017

I am deeply saddened to hear this tragic news. I have known Debbie and Linda since the Dr. Holley days. Debbie delivered three of my four babies with love, kindness, humor and the utmost professionalism. Debbie always made me feel safe and well cared for and had an incredible sense of humor always at the right moment. She will truly be missed by the many whose lives she touched. She was a true pioneer and inspiring role model for all women. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this difficult time.

Lynda D. Montesi

February 11, 2017

I cannot put into words what a tragic loss this is. I was deeply saddened when I heard the news. I have known Debbie since she was with Dr.Holley and Linda Lisk many years ago. 3 children later Debbie was there through it all. Helping me,guiding me, and listening to me. She became my friend. Her quick whit and sense of humor always made me laugh even in some not so funny situations!! I will miss her. Heaven has truly received another Angel. Rest in peace my friend....

Tracy Dadamo- Gumpert

February 11, 2017

I am so very sorry for your loss. I only saw Debbie occasionally at Uncle Mickey and Aunt Maryann''s years ago but she was always so bright and kind. As a girl I looked up to her- as I knew she was a nurse midwife.

Elizabeth Hess

February 11, 2017

Debbie caught all three of my babies. She made me feel safe and cared for during my pregnancies. She was one of my first friends in New Haven 35 years ago. We went to craft fairs, laughed at our dogs, knitted, looked for lost things, preferred dresses with pockets and gave epic semi-annual parties where the floor threatened to cave in during Disco Inferno. When I tried to change my name, she laughed at me and said "Fat chance!" She delivered countless babies and drove through red lights to get to the hospital while waving a white flag out of the car window, convinced that would deter the police. She was smart and funny and loyal and I will miss her deeply.Liz Hess (Isa)

Candy Kamens

February 10, 2017

I was friends with Debbie way back in the 70's at Terryville High School before she went on to bigger and better things. We reconnected on Facebook and I was so proud of what she had accomplished. My deepest sympathy to all who loved her.

Elizabeth Hess

February 10, 2017

Debbie caught all three of my babies. She made me feel safe and cared for during my pregnancies. She was one of my first friends in New Haven 35 years ago. We went to craft fairs, laughed at our dogs, knitted, looked for lost things, preferred dresses with pockets and gave epic semi-annual parties where the floor threatened to cave in during Disco Inferno. When I tried to change my name, she laughed at me and said "Fat chance!" She delivered countless babies and drove through red lights to get to the hospital while waving a white flag out of the car window, convinced that would deter the police. She was smart and funny and loyal and I will miss her deeply.
Liz Hess (Isa)

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