In loving memory of

Debbie E Schnide
July 1, 1950 - February 2, 2020

Debbie Ellen Schnide, 69, of Kingston, NY, left this Earth on Sunday, February 2, 2020 at her home. She was born July 1, 1950 in Brooklyn, NY. The daughter of the late Gordon and Sylvia (Katz) Gottlieb, Debbie spent her childhood in Forest Hills, Queens. She enjoyed many lovely summers spent at Camp Fernwood in Maine. Debbie set her roots in Kingston in 1982 and has called the yellow house her home since.

Debbie received her Master's Degree from SUNY New Paltz, and later went on to teach Art for the Kingston City School District for many years. She was an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Catskills in Kingston. Debbie was a proud supporter of the arts and was an avid conservationist. She saw the good in everyone and in the world itself. She strived to be a part of a positive change in the world. Her generosity and selflessness brought a light to all who knew her.

She is survived by her son, Albert Schnide (Corin Miller), her sister, Orelle Feher of New Paltz, and her niece, Lauran Epstein Ballinger of Astoria, NY, as well as several cousins. Debbie was a loving Grandmother to Leah and Ben Schnide and Great Aunt to Noah Ballinger. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her brother, Arthur Feher, Lauran's late husband, Thomas Evans Ballinger, and her companion of many years, David Rolfe.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, Kingston, NY. A memorial service will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Catskills, 320 Sawkill Road, Kingston, NY 12401 on February, 16th at 3pm.

To honor Debbie's memory, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Audubon Society (https://www.audubon.org/)

A tribute for Debbie can be found at www.KeyserFuneralService.com, where you may leave memories and expressions of sympathy for her family.

Tributes

athena baer wrote on Feb 17, 2020:

"Visited her home, went to the service, and am finding her memory in my daily routine. So many people touched, encouraged and gifted by Debbie. I feel privileged and at loss..... athena baer"

Gale Aidala wrote on Feb 14, 2020:

"I am so sorry to learn of Debbie's passing. Debbie was a kind and compassionate teacher with a gentle heart and spirit. I enjoyed working with her at Zena School. "

Robin Thorbjornsen wrote on Feb 10, 2020:

"I am so sad to learn of Debbie's passing. We taught Art for several years together, and I always enjoyed our talks and sharing of lessons at our department meetings. Funny thing is we both taught art at the same two schools at different times......and I know first hand that she was a wonderful teacher who touched the lives of many children. I was blessed to have ran into her out shopping a few months ago...I enjoyed catching up with her. She and her family are in my thoughts and prayers. Robin Thorbjornsen"

Marji wrote on Feb 10, 2020:

"It has been a week since I got the news that my dear cousin Debbie has passed and I still cannot come to terms with it. She was a year younger than me and we grew up together visiting our grandparents often. We would crawl under the dining room table when we were 8 years old, we talked of this recently. As the years went on we did dishes together. I always was delighted to speak with her in our later years. She was so, so happy when she became a grandmother. All who knew her will have a void in their lives. My husband and I will never be able to fill this void, holidays will never be the same. Our sincerest sympathy to Albert, Cori, Leah and Ben. "

Carol Warren wrote on Feb 9, 2020:

"So very sorry for your loss! Debbie was loved by so many of us! She was such beautiful person! RIP my friend, I will miss you??"

Athena Baer wrote on Feb 9, 2020:

"We attended together with David Rolf the Wed. mornings at the Kingston library since 2011. She brought color, texture and a positive vibe every week to our gathering. I count her blessed not to have suffered . Missing her has only started. My hope is in believing we'll meet again! Athena Baer "

Krystle wrote on Feb 9, 2020:

"Albert, Cori, Ben and Leah: So sorry to hear about Debbie, May your memories be cherished forever. Sending Thoughts and prayers! Krystle Proctor "

Penny J Glass wrote on Feb 8, 2020:

"I am so distraught over the passing of my cousin Debbie. I loved her so much. She was such a great person. Our families got together quite often when we were younger & had a great time. We kept in touch all through the years & when we got married we still got together for certain holidays. There are so many beautiful memories. I felt terrible when I had to move to FL because I missed her & her beautiful family as well as mine. When I did visit NY we always got together & still had a wonderful time. It is hard to express how bad I feel. It is so nice to see these lovely tributes people left about her."

Babette Ballinger wrote on Feb 8, 2020:

"Debbie always seemed to me to be like a firefly- energetic and spreading little beams of light in her path wherever she went and causing you to smile and feel joyful. I loved her peacefulness, kindness and gentle ways and she was a wonderful asset to our extended family. She always was all the colors of the rainbow!!"

Bonnie Langston wrote on Feb 7, 2020:

"Debbie was a special woman. I became friends with her years ago at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Catskills, and more recently reconnected with her in a group. I was so glad to pick up where we left off. I was looking forward to spending more time with Debbie, a gentle, kind, thoughtful and talented person. I am so sad about her death. I will miss her. I send my heartfelt condolences to her family. Bonnie Langston "

Eileen Hall wrote on Feb 7, 2020:

"Debbie was a gentle and kind person. We met many years ago as members in a book club. I always enjoyed talking to her about books, parenting, teaching and art. She was thoughtful, funny, and creative. She will be missed. Eileen Hall"

Dolores wrote on Feb 7, 2020:

"A dear friend, a sweet and kind neighbor, a talented photographer who will be missed. I am fortunate to have shared many fun times with her in Mothers group, bookclub, and our international dinner nights."

Mindy Ruotolo wrote on Feb 7, 2020:

"I met Debbie in group. I was there a short time when she joined. She encouraged me and would praise any positive improvements. She was kind, and always seemed to look on the bright side. She'll be missed."

David and Evelyn Rosenthal wrote on Feb 7, 2020:

"My wife, Evelyn, and I have known Debbie almost from the time she moved onto West Chestnut Street. We have been friends of hers since. We will miss her smile and her love of life and the natural world. She will be missed. (We have made a contribution the Audubon Society in her name.)"

Maureen Bowers wrote on Feb 7, 2020:

"I am so very sorry to learn of Debbie's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. Maureen Bowers "