Obituary of Sr. Deborah Humphreys, SC

Sister Deborah Humphreys, 74, a Sister of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, died December 3, 2024, at Saint Catherine of Siena Healthcare, New Jersey.

Sister Deborah Humphreys was born in Wilmington, Delaware, the daughter of William and Alice (Kissling). She entered the Sisters of Charity on October 28, 1972, and was a devoted member for 52 years.

Sister Deborah was a woman of remarkable intellect. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from the College of Saint Elizabeth, Convent Station, New Jersey, a Master of Social Work in Social Policy from Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, and a Master of Fine Arts in Interdisciplinary Art from Goddard College, Plainfield, Vermont. She went on to receive her Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Post Master’s Certification in Family Therapy – Clinical Social Work from the State of New Jersey.

Sister Deborah’s ministry included impactful roles that reflected her steadfast commitment to justice, community, and education. As a young social worker, she established El Club del Barrio in St. Columba Parish in Newark, NJ and served as its director, supporting underserved families, and working to help them improve their neighborhood through community organizing. She then served as a Legislative Aide to Senator Wynona Lipman in Trenton, NJ, contributing to impactful social policies. She served as an instructor at the College of St. Elizabeth in Convent Station, where she inspired students with her compassion and wisdom. As Executive Director of Pueblo Nuevo, NY, she expanded her reach, addressing the needs of marginalized communities. Returning to Newark, Sister Deborah served as both a social worker and the Director of Family Life at St. Columba Family Life Center, fostering support systems and resources for families. She served as a social worker for the Ironbound Community Corporation, addressing the unique challenges of the city’s immigrant and working-class communities. She also served as a primary care social worker with the Dominican Sisters Family Health Services in the Bronx, NY, providing comfort to those in need. Sister Deborah also brought her gifts of leadership to the Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth, serving at both the provincial and generalate levels for a total of seventeen years.

A published poet, Sister Deborah expressed her spirituality and love for humanity through her writing, capturing the beauty and dignity of everyday life. A kind and gentle soul, Sister Deborah was a steadfast advocate for the underdog. She was a source of strength, compassion, and encouragement to many, always ready to extend a hand or share a word of comfort. Her legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched, the communities she served, the art she created, and the love she shared.

Sister Deborah was predeceased by her parents William and Alice Humphreys. She is survived by the Sisters of Charity Community; her brother Denis Humphreys (Doris), Chancellor, Alabama, her sister Susan Humphreys, New Jersey and her niece Emily Humphreys, upstate New York, and countless friends.

The wake for Sister Deborah will be held at Holy Family Chapel, Convent Station, New Jersey on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, from 9:30 to 11:00 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. Burial in Holy Family Cemetery, Convent Station, will immediately follow the Mass. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Stephen J. Priola Parsippany Funeral Service. The Mass will be livestreamed. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Sisters of Charity Development Fund, P.O. Box 476, Convent Station, NJ, 07961-0476, would be appreciated.