Deborah Ann Gerlach

June 16, 1952 - November 26, 2020

Deborah Ann Gerlach, 68, of Rehoboth Beach, DE passed away the morning of Thanksgiving; November 26, 2020. Born on June 16, 1952, Deborah was the widow of Charles Bagley; daughter of Virginia Nardiello and Ralph Gerlach, who both predeceased her, and sister to Linda Newby who predeceased her as well. She is survived by sisters: Barbara (Gerlach) Meeks of Port St Lucie, FL, and Meg (Gerlach) Goodrich with her husband John Goodrich of Fishkill, NY. She is also survived by her dear friend, Shirley Wright of Lewes, DE, and nephews: Jim Murray, Glenn Murray, David Meeks, Jeff Vachna, Kyle Vachna, John Vachna, Jr; having been predeceased by nephew, Daryl Vachna. Her niece, Nikki Gray survives her along with seven grandnephews and one grandniece, as well as her two loving dogs, Angel and Cinnamon. Deborah was a 1970 graduate of Port Chester High School and the Data Processing program of BOCES in New York. She worked for several companies throughout her long, successful career; the most prominent among them being IBM and the Bell Telephone Company, where she excelled as a technical program analyst and programmer. As a worker in New York City during the horrific assault on September 11, 2001, Deb was an avid supporter of all First Responders. She was a true pathfinder as she blazed a trail, navigating through the male-dominated corporate scene, an outstanding figure in the workforce. She was also an extremely talented seamstress, and an award-winning competitive ballroom dancer. She played piano and flute and was a devoted animal lover who donated heavily to the Brandywine SPCA in New Castle, DE where they dedicated their adoption lobby to Deb’s adopted Angel and Cinnamon. Deb was also a great aunt who loved having fun with and spoiling her nephews. She enjoyed great friendships within her “Blue Dot Family”, whose members she loved deeply, and was loved deeply in return. Deborah had been able to make a multi-state journey to visit with some of her favorite friends on what she called “The Blue Dot Angel Tour” in 2019. Deborah was a tough cookie, whose loving heart was driven by her firm beliefs and her love of family and friends. She will be greatly missed by all. Deb’s request to have her body donated to science at the Maryland Anatomy Board has been fulfilled. The family will be holding their own private video conference memorial. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to local SPCAs or any other accredited animal rescue organization. Please sign the online guestbook located on the tribute page.