Debra A. Addante
Debra “Deb” Addante was the kind of person who made everyone feel welcome, remembered, and loved. She lived her life with intention, grace, and deep gratitude, and she filled every space she entered with warmth, laughter, and light.
Deb was born and raised in Stratford, Connecticut, where she grew up surrounded by love in the home of her parents, Helen and Harry Tashjian. Family was everything to Deb from the very beginning. She and her sister Melissa shared a childhood filled with Armenian church youth activities, friendships that lasted a lifetime, name day celebrations, and a strong faith that guided her throughout her life.
Some of Deb’s happiest early memories included family trips, ice skating, being a lifeguard, Girl Scouts, and endless days at the beach—often side by side with her best friend Heidi. Her nurturing spirit showed early on, especially in her love for animals. Over the years, she took in, and lovingly cared for several stray cats, with Oscar and Bartholomew holding a special place in her heart.
Deb attended Bunnell High School and went on to the University of Bridgeport, where she graduated in just three years with an accounting degree and passed the CPA exam. She began her career at Laventhol and Horwath, a national accounting firm.
On December 7, 1988, at a work training event in The Woodlands, Texas, Deb met the love of her life, Jeffrey Addante. As they always said, it was love at first sight. Jeff walked across the room to introduce himself, and by the end of the evening they were talking, laughing and dancing. Three days later, they were engaged. Their love story moved quickly but felt completely natural because it was right. After a brief long-distance relationship, Deb relocated to Illinois so they could begin their life together.
Deb and Jeff were married on June 30, 1990, in the Armenian Church in Trumbull, Connecticut, officiated by Father Untzag Nalbandian. In a meaningful coincidence, Father Nalbandian’s final service took place on Sunday, the day after Deb’s passing—36 years after he married them.
In 1992, Deb and Jeff built their home on Darlington Court in Algonquin, Illinois. That home became the heart of countless memories. The neighbors weren’t just neighbors, they were family. With nearly 16 kids growing up together, the bonds formed lasted a lifetime. Deb often said there was no better place to raise their family, and she meant it.
Though Deb missed her family in Connecticut, she made it a priority to visit often and stay in constant communication, as she loved and missed them dearly. While living close to Jeff’s family, who embraced her wholeheartedly, Deb deeply appreciated the love she shared with them and often said, “I couldn’t have asked for better in-laws.” Both families felt blessed as Deb worked hard to keep everyone connected, no matter the distance. One of her greatest joys was Thanksgiving in Connecticut, an annual tradition filled with laughter, cousins, grandparents, amazing food, and cherished time together in the Gloria household. Those weeks were full of love, joy, and more New Haven pizza than anyone could count.
Above all else, Deb cherished time with her family, friends and Daisy, her family dog of 18 years. Jeff was her best friend, her partner in everything, and the love of her life. They truly enjoyed doing life together. She was endlessly proud of their three children—Joe, Mike, and Nicole—and especially proud of the close bond they share. Nothing made her happier than seeing them together.
Deb was thrilled for Mike’s upcoming marriage to Sydney Sweetser, whom she loved deeply and welcomed as family. Her joy and excitement for their future was unmistakable.
Deb was the planner, the organizer, the one who made things happen. She hosted countless family gatherings, ladies’ nights, and for more than 10 years, her beloved “My Favorite Things” weekend, bringing over 30 women together each year. These gatherings weren’t just parties; they were expressions of Deb’s love, generosity, and joy in bringing people together.
Professionally, Deb worked from home as the Accounting Manager for Jeff’s business, The Service Center, LLC, until the business sold in 2016. Her love of sunshine and the beach eventually led Deb and Jeff to purchase a second home in Naples, Florida in 2019, where they spent their winters, made new friends, and lived exactly the life Deb loved – filled with sun, time at the beach, beautiful sunsets, laughter, and moments of deep connection.
In 2011, Deb was diagnosed with breast cancer and later Metastatic Breast Cancer. Rather than letting it define her, she chose to live more fully. She embraced every day, every relationship, and every moment with gratitude. Even though she battled cancer for 15 years, she remained positive and fearless, continuing to lift and inspire others even during her most challenging times. Her faith deepened, her perspective sharpened, and her appreciation for life grew even stronger. Deb was sweet, caring, and strong, with an infectious smile and calm, positive energy that made people feel better simply by being near her. Everyone who met her loved her.
Deb and Jeff were devoted parishioners of St. Margaret Mary Church in Algonquin, Illinois for over 30 years, and while wintering in Florida, attended St. John the Evangelist Church in Naples. Her faith carried her through every season of life.
Deb passed beautifully and peacefully with Jeff and her children by her side. In her final days, she shared words that perfectly captured who she was: “I had a wonderful life and wouldn’t change a thing. I have the perfect husband and the best family.” She was at peace, smiling, and ready to place her beautiful soul into the hands of God.
Deb was preceded in death by her father, Henry G. Tashjian. She is survived by her devoted husband Jeffrey M. Addante; her beloved children, Joseph Addante, Michael Addante (fiancé Sydney Sweetser), and Nicole Addante; her mother Helen (Thanas) Tashjian; her sister Melissa (Tony) Gloria; and her godsons, Anthony, Henry, Nicholas, and Benjamin Gloria.
Deb’s legacy is love – love for her family, her friends, her faith, and her life. She will be deeply missed, forever cherished, and always loved and remembered.
A visitation will be held Friday, January 30, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at DeFiore Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Rd. Huntley, IL 60142. The funeral will be Saturday January 31, 2026 at St. Margaret Mary, 111 S. Hubbard St., Algonquin, Il 60102 at 11:00 a.m., preceded by a visitation from 10-11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: St Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 111 S. Hubbard St. Algonquin, IL 60102, or Armenian Church of the Holy Ascension, 1460 Huntington Turnpike, Trumball CT 06611, or St Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105, www.stjude.org or Boys Town, PO Box 8000, Boys Town, NE 68010, www.Boystown.org
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I am so sorry to hear that Deb has passed. We met in a cancer survivor group in Crystal Lake. We were in the group for a few years together, meeting weekly. It was a place were we could talk about our cancer and our follow up appointments. She was a sweet, giving, upbeat lady with a great laugh. Prayers for all of you as you grieve.
Our heart breaks for the family. You have our deepest condolences & prayers. We hope your faith will sustain you through this difficult time
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. While I didn’t personally know her, I could see the light and love she brought through her kids and the lovely posts. Stay strong 🫶🏽
Words cannot express the sorrow you all must be going through. Though it's been over 30 years since I went to high school with Deb, I thought the world of her. I think many others and I saw her at such a higher level than most of us around her, and reading your beautiful tribute just affirms that. God bless you all, and Heaven is that much better with her in its arms.
Please accept our sincere condolences and deepest sympathy. May God give you all strength to get through this difficult time.
I was honored to be part of Deb and Jeff’s wedding party. I have know Jeff and Deb for decades. Deb was just the most beautiful, caring, funny, smart person. A great mother and soul mate to Jeff. My condolences to the family and friends. I am just so sorry to hear this news.