"She had a gift of making everyone feel special. Her smile made anyone feel like an old friend and her laugh was truly contagious. Anytime I saw her I left thinking how awesome she was. My thoughts and prayers are with her beloved family. The away team got a true MVP and heaven must be celebrating. "
In loving memory of
Deborah Maguire Hobbs
July 8, 1952 - September 11, 2020
Deborah "Debbie" Maguire Hobbs, whose humor, laughter and brilliant smile lit up countless hearts, passed away at her home in Ambler on Friday. She was 68 years young.
Known as "Aunt Deb" to many - even those who were not technically related to her - Debbie had a special talent of making everyone she met feel welcomed and part of her own family. As those who knew her could attest, Debbie was a force. She was a legendary storyteller and ignited any room with her contagious laugh.
Born in Philadelphia, PA, Debbie was the second oldest daughter of the late Robert M. and Helen (nee Ahern) Maguire. She graduated from St. Athanasius grade school, Gwynedd Mercy Academy high school, and eventually Villanova University.
Her winning ways led to a successful and dynamic career, with roles spanning across the Hospitality and Real Estate industries. At the time of her death, Debbie was the Sales & Marketing Director at Global Packaging in Oaks, PA, where she oversaw sales and marketing operations for the past 22 years. Outside of her official job title, Debbie was also everyone's Agent. After one conversation with Deb, she would uncover what your interests and ambitions were, and you would leave thinking you had a legitimate shot at winning an Academy Award, the Super Bowl, or whatever your passion might be.
Deb organized everyone and everything. She worked behind-the-scenes for events at LaSalle Academy, LaSalle High School, Mercy Career & Technical, and other charities. One of her greatest joys was organizing the annual golf tournament in memory of her father Rab Maguire. Debbie was a member of St. Alphonsus Church in Maple Glen and a member of the House committee at Whitemarsh Valley Country Club in Lafayette Hill.
Often spotted wearing a big piece of jewelry (frequently pearls), carrying a glass of pinot grigio, and smiling with her signature dimples, Deb was the life of the party and a constant source of fun and happiness to those around her. She was a singularly unique individual who will be sorely missed, but her light and legacy lives on through her family and friends.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 44 years, Michael J. Hobbs, Sr. She is the devoted mother of John Robert Hobbs and his wife, Mara of Philadelphia; Michael J. Hobbs, Jr. and is wife Bailey Beth of Doylestown; and Jennifer Lynne Hobbs of Philadelphia. Debbie's deepest joy and laughter came from her visits and babysitting times with her five grandchildren who called her Deedee: Mae Caroline, Rab Makai, Juni Bay, Elle Maguire, and Crew Makoa. She is the cherished sister of Diane Maguire of Philadelphia, Susan O'Connor (Joe) of Blue Bell, Eileen Maginnis (Tony) of Flourtown, Jennifer Princivalle (Jim) of Maple Glen, and the beloved Aunt Deb to her 15 nieces and nephews, as well as those whose lives she touched.
Relatives and friends are invited to a viewing on Tuesday, September 15th, 2020, from 10:00am to 11:45am. Her funeral mass will be celebrated at noon with the Rev. Msgr. Brian Hennessy, Pastor as Celebrant, St. Alphonsus Church, 3301 Conwell Drive, Maple Glen, PA 19002. Interment will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Cheltenham.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mattie N. Dixon Community Cupboard, 150 N. Main St. P.O. Box 367, Ambler, PA 19002 https://community-cupboard.org/ or LaSalle Academy, 1434 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19122 https://www.lasalleacademy.net/
Tributes
"My sincere condolences on the loss of your mother, wife & grandmother. Sherry Spector"
"My sincere condolences on the loss of your mother, wife & grandmother. Sherry Spector"
"Michael - Our heartfelt condolences to you & your family. Debbie was truly a delight to spend time with. You're in our thoughts & prayers. Matthew & Noreen Tedone "
"I am so sorry about the loss of your dear Debbie who was a bright light whenever we saw her! I will always remember her walking onto our dock in Avalon with a smile and a laugh and wonderful disposition and an obvious love for her family and friends. Sending prayers and condolences to all of you at this terribly difficult time. Xo, Patrice Meagher"
"We are saddened at the loss of our cousin, Debbie. We recall the times our families gathered on L.I. To celebrate a birthday, christening or wedding or baby shower. Or when we all gathered in New Port Richey to celebrate the birthdays of Eleanor or Martha. What fun we had! Yes, Debbie?s laugh and smile were contagious. We didn?t see each very often, but when we did, it was just like we had been together yesterday. She will be greatly missed. God bless. "
"I wish to express my sincerest condolences to the friends and family of Mrs. Hobbs. God cares about your grief and tears. One Bible writer said to God: "Do collect my tears in your skin bottle. Are they not recorded in your book?" - Psalm 56:8 Remember, while the void you feel in your heart may not disappear, with God's tender help, you can cherish you memories of Debbie and you can still enjoy warm friendships and a purposeful life. And soon God will eliminate death. He wants you to be able to embrace your loved one again. Then that pain in your heart will be healed forever. The scriptures provided me and my family comfort by helping us see Gods loving plan for those who enter rest. For comfort from the Bible please visit bit.ly/Deathjworg"
"A great friend in grade and high school to my late sister Mary. My God grant Debbie eternal rest, and may God protect her family in this difficult time."
"Loved Debbie as for the ten years plus I knew her treated me as a true friend at Global Packaging. Prayers to the family."
"We are stunned and shocked at the loss of this wonderful person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this incredibly difficult time. "
"My condolences to the Hobbs and Maguire families. I went to St. Athanasius and GMA with Debbie. She always brought laughter to the crowd. Rest In Peace Debbie! ??"
"Speechless at the loss of your dear -happy -laughing -dimpled -smart - kind and all-good-person, Debbie. I am so very sorry. Po Flanigan "