Deborah Jean Brick

Deborah Jean Brick, nee Van Nutt, passed away on October 14, 2023, at the age of 72 in Sandyston, New Jersey after a long, brave battle with ALS. She was born on April 6, 1951 in Jersey City, NJ. Debbie was a kind and loving person, known for her devotion to her family as a wife, mother, and grandmother.

Debbie is survived by her high school sweetheart and beloved husband John, their son Dan, his wife Cheryl, and their grandchildren Kristina and Kaitlyn. She is also survived by her brother Chuck and his wife Pamela, their children Diana and Garrett, and a host of relatives and friends. Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Georgina Van Nutt.

Debbie had a passion for education and achieved academic success throughout her life. She attended Midland School in Rochelle Park, NJ, for her primary education and later graduated from Hackensack High School. She continued her studies at Rutgers University, where she earned a degree in English Literature and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. She also attained certification as a Paralegal. Deb attended Rutgers Law School for 2-1/2 years, as she aspired to become a lawyer, but ultimately decided it wasn't her calling.

In her career, Debbie worked as a Paralegal at Chubb Insurance before transitioning to a Legal Aid role, which she truly enjoyed. When funding for the program ceased, she joined the law firm of Sills Beck Cummis, which specialized in casino law. After she and John purchased their dream home on Kittatinny Lake, Debbie worked as a secretary in the Special Services Department at Montville High School, where John taught, and later became a secretary at High Point High School near their home. She retired in 2007.

Debbie and John shared a love of travel. They bought a second home in Valencia, California, where they spent the winter months to be close to their son, Dan, and his family. Their granddaughters, Kristina and Kaitlyn, brought them great joy and kept them busy with babysitting, fun activities, and school functions. Every spring, Debbie and John embarked on a cross-country trip to spend the summer at their lake home, and every fall they drove back to California a different way. They relished the opportunity to explore different routes across the US, savoring the sights along the way. In total, they completed 22 cross-country trips and managed to sleep in every one of the 50 US states. Last January, Debbie and John celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary, a testament to their enduring love and wonderful marriage.

A viewing for Debbie will be held on November 12, 2023 from 10:00-11:00 am at Turner & Stevens Live Oak Mortuary & Memorial Park in Monrovia, CA. Following the viewing, a graveside service will take place from 12:00-1:00 pm. A link to the live streaming service is available by request. In lieu of flowers, donations to the ALS Society would be very much appreciated.

Debbie will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her kind and caring nature touched the lives of those around her, and her memory will forever be cherished by her family and friends.