Debra M. Sherman, age 58 years, of Mercerville, NJ, died on Friday, June 2, 2017 at the Center for Hope Hospice, Elizabeth, NJ.

Born in Trenton, NJ, August 7, 1958, daughter of the late Joseph and Helen (Washko) Evanko, she was a lifelong resident of Mercerville, NJ.

Debra was a 1976 graduate of Steinert High School, Hamilton Township, NJ. She then went on to work for the State of New Jersey for many years.

A woman who loved sunshine, it is no wonder to anyone who knew her why she radiated nothing but loving sunshine through her personality. Debra was the friend you could always turn to; she was the life of any party and was the happiest, most positive person in any group. Even during her illness, her priority was to make sure those around her were never in sad spirits.

She was an adventurer and enjoyed days at beach, lounging by the pool, camping and just enjoying each moment of life to its fullest. She had the ‘gift of gab’ and enjoyed long talks with her friends.

One of her most proudest moments was to be there to witness the birth of her grandson, William, two years ago. She loved being a Grandma and his photo was always available to be shown to whomever Debra was talking to at the moment.

Her legacy of caring and being there for anyone does not end with her death and will be carried on through all who knew her.

In addition to her parents, Joseph in 1990 and Helen in 2007, she was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Richard C. Sherman in 2009.

Surviving are husband of twelve years, Gregory E. Sherman with whom she joined hands in marriage on January 5, 2005; her daughter and son-in-law, Amanda and Daniel Howell of Ewing, NJ; her grandson, William Howell; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary and Patrick Epping of Hamilton, NJ and Susan Cray and Michael Palasciano of Mercerville, NJ; her mother-in-law, Pamela Sherman of Mercerville, NJ; her loving Border Collie, Jake; and many dear friends.

Private funeral services followed by cremation will take place at the Chapel of Ewing Crematory, Ewing Township, NJ under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ. 

Everyone is invited to visit Debra’s permanent memorial site at www.wrightfamily.com to send a public or private message of condolence and to share stories and photographs of her life.

Memorial contributions in Debra’s name may be made through IN MEMORY OF (https://www.inmemoryof-memorial.org) to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.