Deborah Ann Moore

Deborah Ann Moore (Gonano), 72, passed peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, November 6th, 2021. A resident of Colorado Springs, CO for twenty-six years, she previously lived in Harvest, AL, and St. Paul, MN. She was born in Elizabeth, NJ, and raised in Cranford, NJ where she graduated from Cranford High School in 1967. While receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics and Nutrition from the College of St. Elizabeth ('71) she affirmed her love of fashion as a model in NYC. After multiple proposals, she finally met her future husband, a West Point cadet, at a school dance (who in turn upset some of the nuns by overlooking her curfew).

A real-life Dorothy Gale, Debbie would be the first to tell you about surviving the Anderson Hills tornado outside Huntsville, AL on May 18, 1995. An F4 did little to phase a woman who by that time had already spent more than half her life traveling solo throughout the Middle East (even whilst pregnant), beating life-threatening health conditions (anorexia and Lyme disease, to name a few) and raising two curly-haired little girls who learned early on from their mother to be independent and gracious.

Debbie was utterly devoted to her Presbyterian faith, which nourished and sustained her throughout her life. Her work as a Stephen Minister at Monument Community Presbyterian Church was her passion. She cared for members of the community like she would her own family: cooking world-class meals, planning weddings, and praying - always praying.


Her daughters continued Debbie's legacy and love of ballet, and they remember every bobby pin that was securely fastened into their buns before each performance. Her endless encouragement remains a cornerstone in their lives, as she selflessly inspired them to always pursue their dreams. This support extended further, like when her daughter Meredith's husband was deployed overseas, and she would speak with him often on the phone, just to listen and share words of strength and love without Meredith even knowing. This unwavering support of those she loved, whether it be through a delicious warm dinner, a perfectly sewn prom gown, or a kiss every night before bed, was her greatest gift to all who knew and loved her.


She is preceded in death by her mother, Marion Gonano, and her father Charles Gonano. She is survived by her husband, Robert Douglas Moore, daughters Meredith Kimberly Moore and Mariette Emery Moore, and her brother, Wayne P. Gonano.

Visitation will take place Monday, November 15, 2021, from 5:00-7:00 pm at Blunt Mortuary in Colorado Springs, CO.

There will also be a visitation on Saturday November 20, 2021 from 9:00-10:00AM at Gray Memorial Funeral Home, 12 Springfield Avenue, Cranford. Her graveside service will follow at 10:30AM Saturday at Graceland Memorial Park, Kenilworth.

Please go to: www.grayfuneralhomes.com to offer condolences.