DEBRA ROTHSTEIN

ROTHSTEIN-- Debra "Debbie", aged 66, passed away Sunday, February 11th. She was a loving mother of three, grandmother of four, and adoring wife to husband Marc Rothstein. Debbie was born in Bound Brook, New Jersey to Vito and Mary Martell. She was a graduate of University of California, Los Angeles and went on to have a prosperous career in retail starting 1980 at Bambergers, and then Hahne and Company, G. Fox, Lord & Taylor, Belk Stores, among others. Debbie's love and empathy touched many people throughout her life. She had a true passion for helping others and exhibited a continued advocacy for those in need. She supported students at various stages of the education process. Debbie was board president at Wagner Middle School. It was there she and Jacob created their foundation Santa Letters. Through community outreach and support, they have provided holiday presents for homeless public school children in NYC since 2009. Then she became board president at Eleanor Roosevelt High School. Continuing her advocacy in support of their education programs as well as their athletics. Debbie's love for her son Jacob and husband Marc was very strong. Their powerful bond as a family was evident. Debbie and Marc were inseparable. They did everything together and hardly spent time apart. They leaned on each other for a lot and did things their way. They originally met in the vibrant NYC fashion industry, and Debbie gave birth to Jacob in 1997. This is when she left the fashion industry to focus on her family and giving back. She was the central figure in the lives of her family. She never told any of her children off, and spoiled them as much as she possibly could. Debbie cared for every child that crossed her threshold and ensured they were safe, healthy, and happy. Many people looked up to her as a mother as she was nice, caring, and easy to talk to. Debbie was an energetic person and lit up every room she went into. Her charisma was enchanting to everyone she met. Even only talking to her for a short time made you full of happiness and joy. She instilled hope in others and was extremely motivating. She was often the first to offer her hand to others during difficult times and maintained constant communication with those she was close to. She made sure her son worked hard in school and that he aimed to reach his full potential. She believed it was very important to stay active and was a very busy person. NYC was her playground and she seemed to know everyone in the neighborhood. Later in life, she would take her beloved dog Luna along her side as she moved around the city. Debbie will be greatly missed by her family and close friends. May her memory be a blessing. Debbie is survived by her husband Marc, son Jacob, daughters Rachel and Liz, and grandchildren Mila, Laila, Emmy, and Jackson.