Deborah Kay Piper

Deborah Kay Piper, age 60, born on January 27, 1966, passed away on March 3, 2026, at her home surrounded by family.

Deborah (Debbie) was pre-deceased by her parents, Jack and Anna Black; her birth parents, Robert and Marcelina Piper; her brother, Jack and sister-in-law Eleanor Black; and her brother, Maynard (surviving sister-in-law Janice) Black.

She is survived by brothers: Martin (Constance) Black, Chris (Rita) Black, and Robert (Lori) Piper; sisters: Patricia (Gillis pre-deceased) Cure, Mary (Mark) Perry, Susan (Alan) Lubold, Rebecca (Gene) Caponi, Monica Black, Darlene (Kevin) Foster, Joan (pre-deceased Donald) Palinkas, Tammy (Leon) Tillman, and Christine Piper.

Other survivors include her uncle, Andy (Kathy) Olson, and her aunts, Linda (Robert) L'amoreaux, Tina (Carl) Bender, and Sandra Collins.

She is also survived by many loving, nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

Deborah, affectionately known as Debbie, was a cherished daughter, sister, and friend whose warmth and joyful spirit touched everyone she met. She had a special way of making others feel seen and loved; always greeting friends and strangers alike with a radiant smile and kind words. Her unwavering faith and positive outlook inspired those around her through both joyful and challenging times.

Debbie's signature color was purple. She could be seen carrying her "kids" in their basket for many years. These were stuffed animals that brought Debbie much security and peace.

She was sweet, generous, gregarious and outgoing, demonstrated by her Market Street visits where she had a handful of beloved stores she frequented on a weekly and sometimes daily basis. She would start at Aniello's Pizzeria where she would order her usual LT Slice and greet everyone by name. Eventually, she barely even had to order, they just knew. Next was Pookie's, the consignment shop where she'd pop in to say hello for a few minutes and look for something purple. The next stop was Connor's where she would stop in to greet the staff and was rewarded with a chocolate truffle or two. Then on to Pip's Boutique where she would again greet everyone by name and do a little shopping. Her last stop was always Finger Lakes Unique, where she made sure to greet everyone by name. She was beloved by all and had many friends. The Black Family is appreciative of the kindness everyone bestowed on her.

Debbie was an avid exerciser for many years and would frequently do a few hours at the YMCA where she also had many friends.

Another of her favorite pastimes, when given the opportunity, was going through the auto car wash. She loved the purple soap that trickled down on the car.

Debbie was a selfless caregiver of others and was always concerned with others above herself. She was kind, obedient and prayerful. She will surely be missed by those of us fortunate enough to have been graced by her in our lives.

Please come and help us celebrate her big, beautiful life.

Calling hours will be held Sunday, March 8, from 1-4 pm at Haughey Funeral Home, Inc., 216 E. First Street in Corning. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, March 9, at 9:30 am at Saint Mary's Catholic Church followed by burial at Barnard Cemetery in Caton, NY.

Reception to follow at the home of Martin & Connie Black at 2265 Caton Road, Corning, NY.