Obituary of Deborah Jean Orzel

Deborah (Debbie) J. Orzel died peacefully at her home in Herndon, Virginia on May 15th, 2021 at the age of 74. Deborah was born in Concord, New Hampshire, where she graduated from high school and attended cosmetology school. She later moved to Oceanview in Norfolk, Virginia where she met her husband, Peter Orzel, with whom she would share the rest of her life.

Deborah and Peter had two daughters, Kimberly and Wendy. Deborah adored and loved her daughters tremendously well. While raising her children, she worked many jobs at a dry cleaners business near their home. Her daughter Wendy later gave birth to two grandchildren, Madison and Brady, with whom she continued to share her innate ability to love fiercely, best exhibited by the countless cookies always present upon their arrival in her Herndon home. This ability was also showcased in the ways she cared for and supported her husband throughout his own battle with Parkinson’s.

Deborah was determined to enjoy her own life and make life better for those around her. In both of these aims, she succeeded. She was steadfast in her faith, an avid reader, a lover of all music (but especially Elvis), a huge fan of the Hallmark channel, an amazingly funny woman, and an incredible mother to many cats (more than one of whom was named Cocoa). She was courageous in all things, but specifically in her nine year battle with cancer. She was adventurous: the type of person who ziplines in her late 60s. Deborah loved the ocean, and perhaps not coincidentally, her favorite color was always blue.

Deborah is preceded in death by her mother June, father Peter, and daughter Kimberly. She is survived and continuously loved by her husband Peter, daughter Wendy, brother Peter, and grandchildren Madison and Brady.