Deborah J. "Debby" Kreifels

Niskayuna- Deborah Jean Kreifels, known affectionately as Debby to her friends and family, passed away on February 18, 2025, after a courageous four-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Born on December 26, 1952, in Schenectady, NY, she was the daughter of the late Leon Dedeaux, Jr. and Claire (nee: Fagga) Dedeaux.
A proud graduate of Burnt Hills/Ballston Lake High School, Debby furthered her education at Schenectady County Community College before earning her B.S. degree from the College of St. Rose. Her professional path was marked by dedication and excellence, beginning with her role at Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory (KAPL) as an administrative assistant. There, she also served as the elected president of the Kermis Club, fostering camaraderie and entertainment for her colleagues. Debby's career flourished when she joined the General Electric Company, working in GE Sourcing, and later returned as a specialist, sourcing systems in GE Power Systems after taking an early retirement to care for her son, Kevin.
After meeting the love of her life, Douglas, they married on July 16, 1984. They enjoyed a delayed honeymoon to Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Hong Kong, where her love of traveling evolved. She explored all seven continents and most of the United States. The highlight of her adventures was an unforgettable expedition to Antarctica, where she was enchanted by the penguin colonies. With her love of penguins, Debby became an expert in all of the breeds of penguins in the world. Her adventurous spirit was matched by her commitment to her community; she was an active PTO member and served as president during Kevin's middle school years. Debby's interests were diverse and enriched her life greatly. She was an avid golfer; being a member of the GE Woman's Club, a skilled bowler; being a part of two different bowling leagues, Monday Funny's and the KAPL Mixed League, and a creative quilter. In her later years, she joined several quilting groups, including two quilting clubs; Q.U.I.L.T.S and Quilt North, channeling her artistic talent into quilts that warmed the lives of friends and those in need.
A devout member of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish for over 30 years and a former communicant of the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Glenville, Debby's faith was a guiding force throughout her life. With her endless energy, she was also active in her church, was a member of the Aqueduct Rowing Club earlier in her life, and was active in the Schenectady chapter of her College of St Rose Alumni Association.
In addition to her parents, Debby was predeceased by her nephew, Tage Larsen. She is survived by her beloved husband, Douglas "Doug" Kreifels; son, Kevin Kreifels; sister, Kyna Dedeaux-Larsen; brother, Charles Dedeaux; brother-in-law, Stanley Kreifels; three nieces and three nephews. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, February 23, 2025, from 2pm to 4pm at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Road, Glenville, NY 12302. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, February 24, 2025, at 9 am at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, 1803 Union St, Niskayuna, NY 12309. Entombment will follow at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284.