Deanne Serafin Mjelde

Mrs. Deanne Beatrice Serafin Mjelde, lovingly known as Debe by her family, passed away on May 26, 2024, at her home in Chocowinity, NC. 

She was born in Florence, NJ, on October 15, 1942, daughter of the late Thaddeus Richard Serafin and Anna May Whiteside Serafin. Debe was predeceased by her spouse Olaf Gunnar Mjelde, brother Richard Thomas Serafin, Sr., niece Barbara Joanne Serafin Girton, and nephew Richard Thomas Serafin, Jr., as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Growing up with her father serving in the Army, she travelled to many places during her early years and later travelled as an adult to various countries with her parents and husband.  For many years Deanne and her husband visited Walt Disney World for camping, New York State to a farm owned by her husband, and Norway to visit her husband’s family.  Deanne lived a full life travelling the world and making friends with everyone.

She graduated from Pemberton Township High School in 1960.  Deanne met her husband, Olaf Gunnar Mjelde and worked for him at his tool and die corporation in northern New Jersey.  Deanne worked as a loan specialist in different banks in New Jersey and North Carolina.  She retired from First Citizens Bank in Greenville, NC.  Following in her Aunt Bea’s footsteps, Deanne went on to volunteer at Washington Montessori Public Charter School in Washington, North Carolina for several years.  She was beloved by the teachers and children alike.

Deanne is survived by her niece, Brooke (Michael) Christine, and sister-in-law Patricia Serafin (Tomlinson), great-nieces Rory and Molly Christine, all of NJ, great-nieces Gladys Girton, Kayla Girton, and great-nephew David Lewis Girton, Jr., all of PA, step-sons, Torstein Mjelde of VA, Roy (Pamela) Mjelde of WI, Olaf (Beth Hanenburg) Mjelde of CA, step-daughter, Karin (Mjelde) Myrtvedt of Norway, cousins, Dawn (Stiltz) Noble, Jason Noble (Jessica Greenberg), Shannon Noble, and Dean Stiltz, all of NC, Nancy (Keller) Sabol of PA, Lawrence Burke of VA, Janet (Whiteside) Genosky of NJ, and Terry (Kee) Hunter and Thomas Kee of FL.

The family will greet friends from 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Paul Funeral Home & Crematory in Washington.  A celebration of Deanne’s life will follow beginning at 6:30 p.m. officiated by Pastor Greg Barmer.

Anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution in Deanne’s name is asked to consider St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial and Honor Program, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve Deanne’s family.