Deborah L. Arner, 64, of Leonardo, passed away Dec. 1, 2023. Deborah was born Feb. 10, 1959, in Long Branch, a daughter of the late Roseanne and Jack Watkins. She lived in Middletown all her life.
Deborah graduated from Middletown High School South where she met her future husband, Michael. They married in 1985 and settled in Leonardo to raise their family.
Deborah was a certified nurse aide. She started her career at King James Nursing Home and then went on to work at Laurel Bay Nursing Home for 25 years. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 338 for over 28 years.
Debbie had an extensive collection of teapots and gnomes. She also had many plants that thrived under her green thumb. Debbie loved being at the beach, whether it was here in Jersey or down in South Carolina while at their vacation home.
But her favorite place to be was with her family. She will always be fondly remembered as a devoted and loving wife, mother and friend.
Deborah is survived by her husband of 38 years, Michael Arner, and their three children, Dana Arner and her boyfriend Jim Carver, Ashley Arner and her boyfriend Matt Gaul and Thomas Arner. Deborah also leaves behind her sister Mary Watkins, brother David Watkins, many nieces and nephews and her dear friends, the Glindmeyer family and the Hanrahan family. Debbie was predeceased by her siblings, James, Jack, Vicky and Shelley.
A memorial gathering will take place at a later date.
This article originally appeared in the December 14 – 20, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
