BALLSTON SPA | Deborah Jean Spadafore, 61, passed away at home, surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday, July 18, 2012. Born Deborah Jean Steinbach in Auburn, on Aug. 7, 1950, she is survived by her husband, Jim; twin sister, Diane; and sons, Mike and Tim. Debbie graduated from Mount Carmel High School in Auburn in 1968 and attended LeMoyne College majoring in special education. Debbie never did get to graduate because she met the man of her dreams in Foley's North Woods Inn at Fourth Lake, Old Forge, while waitressing in the summer of 1969. Married to Col (Ret.) James Spadafore on May 29, 1971, Debbie and Jim would share 43 wonderful years together that would take them around the world accompanying Jim's military career. They spent three years in Germany from 1971-1974 where oldest son Tim was born. Her middle son Mark was born in Auburn in 1975, just before Jim and Debbie settled down in Oswego, where they gave birth to son Michael in 1979. In 1995, Jim and Debbie moved to Ballston Spa, where she remained until her passing. Debbie worked for Mutual of New York in Syracuse and Adirondack Trust in Saratoga Springs for a number of years, but her true job was raising three amazing boys and taking care of the family. Debbie was supportive of her three boys who grew up playing ice hockey, traveling around the country to cheer them on in Seattle, Wash., Peoria, Ill., Minnesota, Windsor, Ont., Toronto, and many other amazing locations. She was a devoted wife who supported Jim wherever his military and civilian careers took him. Sitting faithfully by her side, Jim held her hand until the end. Debbie will be joining middle son, Mark, who passed away in March 2011; brother, Eddie Steinbach; and her parents, Charles and Mary Steinbach. Debbie will truly be missed by her family, friends, and her dog Morgan, who sat faithfully by her side as she passed away at peace. Relatives and friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 22, at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, N.Y. 12866. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Monday, July 23, in St. Clement's Church, 231 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs. Burial will follow at 11 a.m. at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Schuylerville. Donations may be made to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com and at www.legacy.com.
