Obituary of Deborah A. "Debbie" Tarris

Mrs. Deborah A. “Debbie” Tarris, passed away peacefully on Monday morning, January 29, 2018, in the privacy and comfort of her home, surrounded by the love and support of her devoted family at her side.

Born on May 20, 1953, Deborah was the daughter of the late Rose Fiorentino-Bernier. As she grew through childhood, she also knew the love and guidance of her dear grandmother, the late Angelina Fiorentino. Raised and educated in Herkimer, Deb was a graduate with Herkimer High School Class of 1971. Years later, she went on to further her education through BOCES, where she earned her certification as a Teacher’s Assistant.

In October of 1982, Deb was married to Mr. Victor Tarris, Jr., and together, the couple settled in Frankfort and started a family. For almost thirty years, Deb was employed with the Frankfort-Schuyler Central School District as a Teacher’s Assistant. Throughout her tenure, she was blessed to form close-knit bonds with many of her students, and they, in turn, were blessed to know the love and support of such an amazing woman. After her retirement from Frankfort High School, Deb went on to work for Pathways Academy in Ilion.

Deb’s first and foremost priority was always the well-being of her beloved children and family. She fought valiantly and selflessly throughout her illness, and wanted her family to know that she would always be with them in spirit, even after her earthly journey was done. Her final message to them is as follows: “To my children…I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always, as long as you’re living, my babies you’ll be…”

She is survived by her husband, Vic; her daughter, Alexis Tarris of Frankfort; her sons, Victor Tarris, III of Frankfort and Britton Tarris and his fiancée, Marissa Marino of Herkimer; her sister and brother-in-law, Jacqueline Bernier-Foote and husband, Michael Foote of Herkimer; her brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Michelle Bernier of Florida; and her in-laws, Joyce Bernier of North Carolina and Darlene and Russell DeRemer of Boston. She also leaves her niece, Kylie Bernier; her nephews, Jordan Foote, Kyle Bernier, Kody Bernier and Russell DeRemer; her cousins, Carlo and Ellen Fiorentino; and numerous lifelong friends, with special mention of Brian Martin, who was like a brother to Deb.

She was predeceased by her mother, Rose Fiorentino-Bernier, her grandmother, Angelina Fiorentino and her brother, Bill Bernier.

A special thank you is extended to the 6^th Floor Nursing staff at Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center, Dr. Butala and staff, Dr. Pellecchia and staff, and the loving and compassionate caregivers from Hospice, for all of the care and concern shown to Deb throughout her illness.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend Deb’s visitation, which will take place on Wednesday, January 31, 2018, from 4:00PM – 7:00PM at the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000. Deb’s funeral service will commence on Thursday morning, February 1, 2018, at 9:30AM at the funeral home and at 10:30AM at Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church, where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Francis Vivacqua. Procession will follow to St. Mary’s Cemetery in East Herkimer, where she will be laid to rest.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to Debbie’s family to help offset her funeral expenses. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Deb’s final wishes were pre-arranged and entrusted to Martin L. Ciaccia and Harry and Kevin Enea, funeral directors.