To eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support... moreTo eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. The Alzheimer's Association is the world's leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. We value inclusivity, community, accountability, agility, and integrity. Our commitment to transparency, research, and diversity and inclusion helps to fulfill our vision: a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia.
In 2021, the Alzheimer's Association invested over $70 million in research, launched two new campaigns "Any Given Moment" and "More Time", and strengthened partnerships with faith-based communities. The Alzheimer's Association's powerful advocacy witnessed the Improving HOPE for Alzheimer's Act signed into law through the Association's leadership. At the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Association's Walk to End Alzheimer's participants walked in small groups in their neighborhoods to raise $86 million. less
This is a space to celebrate Debby's life. Having your stories and memories of her collected here will be a great comfort to us. Thank you for contributing to this lasting memorial.
OBITUARY
Debby was the beloved wife of Dean Malissa and loving mother to Amy Malissa Hersz and Sam Malissa. She is also survived by her sister, Susan Barazani and grandchildren, Silvie and Nessah Hersz.Debby was a brilliant and vivacious woman, a lifelong learner and a committed teacher. One of her greatest joys was discovering something new and then sharing it with the people she loved.She cherished her family (including her doggies), and was... see more
Debby was the beloved wife of Dean Malissa and loving mother to Amy Malissa Hersz and Sam Malissa. She is also survived by her sister, Susan Barazani and grandchildren, Silvie and Nessah Hersz.
Debby was a brilliant and vivacious woman, a lifelong learner and a committed teacher. One of her greatest joys was discovering something new and then sharing it with the people she loved.
She cherished her family (including her doggies), and was the solid foundation in a house full of eccentrics. She filled her home with strong Jewish values, filled her kitchen with inviting smells from her delicious cooking, and filled her family’s schedules with well-structured plans.
Debby dedicated her life as a student and an educator to helping others communicate and connect. In the first part of her career she was a speech pathologist and a teacher of English as a second language. Along the way she learned to speak Hebrew, French, Spanish, and Portuguese. Later in her professional life she directed continuing education courses on Jewish culture and history and organized Jewish heritage tours around the world.
She read widely, loved to travel, and had a deep appreciation for fine art. Her style and fashion reflected her joie de vivre and attention to detail. She was the one dancer in a family of singers.
The family requests donations to be made in Debby’s memory to Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or to the Alzheimer’s Association.
I met Debby a little under 3 years ago when Dean brought her to visit Artis. My immediate reaction was her jaw dropping beauty and it comforted me that she reminded me of my mom, who lives out of state. It didn't take long for me to appreciate the... moreI met Debby a little under 3 years ago when Dean brought her to visit Artis. My immediate reaction was her jaw dropping beauty and it comforted me that she reminded me of my mom, who lives out of state. It didn't take long for me to appreciate the Malissa family and their wit, sarcasm, humor, creativity and support of Debby's care. I found myself relating to Amy who was the mother of two daughters (I was pregnant with mine at the time) and finding mutual connections between us. I always enjoyed spending time with Debby as her smile was very contagious and her hugs were so tight. Although soft spoken in the way I knew her, she was always so positive and easy going. It was clear that she was proud of the family she created and I made it a goal to involve her in any updates with Dean, Sam and Amy as i saw them. It's sad that I didn't know her 12 years ago before her diagnosis but I can honestly say that I appreciated what I knew about her then, and incorporated it to the best of my ability with how much I loved her the way she was now. My residents all take a small piece of my heart as I work with them- Debby has a large chunk. Sending my love to the Malissa family during this difficult time. less
My earliest memory of Debbie is when we were all at the house at Locust Lakes and I learned Dean had a girl friend. She was a beacon of light and joy from the first moment I met her. When you recall any memory of Debbie, her light shine on.
We were honored to witness this moving tribute to Debby. Having spent 3 weeks as Debby's roommate in Israel, I felt it was particularly mystical that we would be memorializing her between Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut. She was a very special soul. ... moreWe were honored to witness this moving tribute to Debby. Having spent 3 weeks as Debby's roommate in Israel, I felt it was particularly mystical that we would be memorializing her between Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut. She was a very special soul. Love, Sharon (and Jonathan) Levin less
Condolences to Dean, Amy, Sam, Chen, and the rest of your family. We are so sad for your loss, and we hope that loving memories of Debby bring you peace, comfort, and strength. With love, Tori and Ronnie Rysz
I feel so bad for Debby's family and the suffering that they had to watch and endure. Debby was an intelligent and compassionate woman and deserved a better "final chapter" to her life than she received. I miss her and the good times we had together.
Over many decades, beginning way before email, social media, and smart phones, Debby, Dean, my husband Jeff, and I, built and maintained a three-hundred mile distant, life-long friendship. I have so many memories of Debby's effervescence, kindness, and... moreOver many decades, beginning way before email, social media, and smart phones, Debby, Dean, my husband Jeff, and I, built and maintained a three-hundred mile distant, life-long friendship. I have so many memories of Debby's effervescence, kindness, and generosity. And it is the little things that speak so clearly of Debby's legacy. Jeff and I still have, and use, the dessert plates Debby and Dean bought us when they visited us in our first house. (we think of you both every time we use them.) Debby knew I was a crazy snow globe collector, and out of the blue, she sent me a book on their history. I have always known her as a force of nature sprinkled with gentleness. Over the years, thru Boston-Philadelphia visits, kids overlapping lives, via email and phone calls, we have shared the best and worst of times. At one of our last dinners together, as Alzheimers had begun to wreak it's havoc, the four of us laughed and talked, and yes sometimes stories were repeated. I know that the memory of that night will have faded for you, Dean - such a long, hard road since then. But I remember it clearly. All Debby talked about that night, with joy, pride and delight, was her family - about Dean's devotion to his work as George Washington, about all that Amy and Sam had accomplished. She carried a letter about Sam's dissertation with her to show us. You three were Debby's heart and soul. How blessed we all were to share her light.
Sending love, Joni and the entire Levy Liberman family less
We go way back. In 1974, you can see Debby doing her best fish impression while playing charades. She was Dean's best audience. When we all lived in Syracuse, Dean liked to pull stunts like throwing pig feet in my cart (without my knowledge) at the... moreWe go way back. In 1974, you can see Debby doing her best fish impression while playing charades. She was Dean's best audience. When we all lived in Syracuse, Dean liked to pull stunts like throwing pig feet in my cart (without my knowledge) at the grocery store. She giggled a lot. But, it was so touching when she came to our house when she was no longer verbal. We watched the movie, "Across the Universe," which features Beatles songs throughout. She sang all the songs with us-with the words. Such a sweet person.
David Kieserman
I first met Debby and Dean while we all lived together on campus in Syracuse.
I remember vividly Debby, studying at the dining room table, her long beautiful blond hair laying perfectly down her back.
Debby, at 20, cooking holiday dinners for the four of us, already so accomplished.
I was always so very impressed. I remember all the laughter.
Suzy Kieserman less
Almost four decades of friendship gave us so many opportunities to celebrate life. We shared holidays that Debby hosted with warmth, confidence and skill. We hung out the pool. We laughed. And had adventures. So many adventures – from the Caribbean to... moreAlmost four decades of friendship gave us so many opportunities to celebrate life. We shared holidays that Debby hosted with warmth, confidence and skill. We hung out the pool. We laughed. And had adventures. So many adventures – from the Caribbean to our three-generation trip to Israel, planned from start to finish by Debby. She did so many things so well. Debby was an amazing teacher. She was the person I’d call when I needed guidance. She was so smart! When Debby earned her Masters from Gratz College, she gave a commencement speech in Hebrew. I didn’t understand a word, but I knew she was perfect. I was so proud of her that day. She was passionate. About Israel. About her family. And for friends who were like family. Tonight I’m feeling blessed to have been Debby’s friend. less
I met Debby when she was pregnant with Amy and I was pregnant with Erica...a long wonderful friendship that I thought would continue into our golden years...I will cherish our days and keep my memories with me always. I lost my mom and debby days... moreI met Debby when she was pregnant with Amy and I was pregnant with Erica...a long wonderful friendship that I thought would continue into our golden years...I will cherish our days and keep my memories with me always. I lost my mom and debby days apart...One I can accept as the cycle of life...one I never will be ok with...always in my heart...love randi less
This was from my last visit to Debby. we were like sisters and shared so many good times together. So terribly sad. A vibrant life snuffed out way too soon.
1988, a day in Philadelphia while were visiting from Israel. 2 years before moving to the US and have Chen and Sam meet for the first time.
And a picture of Debby and Dean I took on August 2014.
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