Debra Ann (Zarkowski) Shewchuk

Debra Ann Shewchuk, 57, of Keyport, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at home on April 14, 2017, surrounded by her loving family, after a long and hard fought battle against cancer. She was born Debra Ann Zarkowski on November 21, 1959 in Staten Island, New York, were she grew up.   

Debra worked in the financial district of New York in the Twin Towers until she decided to change careers and became an EMT in 1982.  Her first station assignment was working for the FDNY EMS and is where she met her husband Russell.  Debra and Russell married on April 25, 1987 at St. Christopher's Church in Staten Island, New York.  They lived in Staten Island, New York until they moved to Keyport, New Jersey where they presently reside. She worked as an EMT on an ambulance, until with the help of God became pregnant and continued working as a dispatcher at EMS headquarters. The greatest joy of her life was the birth of her daughter Ashley.  Debra chose to put her efforts into raising Ashley.   She returned to work after Ashley was of school age.  She worked for 18 years at Bayshore Hospital in the Admission Office.  She made many friends and acquaintances there.  Some of the friendships are still very strong between the people she met, and her friends have been with her through good and bad.

Debra's smile and laughter could light up a room.  She could always make those around her laugh, and always put her family before herself. Debra loved spending time at the beach, going to lunch with friends, baking for the holidays, and shopping with her daughter.  Debra enjoyed the comfort of faith as a parishioner of Saint Benedict Church in Holmdel, New Jersey. She was an amazing role model for those around her, always showing, strength and determination to do her best in life. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends, and all who knew her and will always be remembered.

She was predeceased by her loving father John Zarkowski.  Debra Ann is survived by her devoted husband of 30 years, Russell J. Shewchuk, her beloved daughter Ashley, her loving mother Barbara Beinert Zarkowski, her dear sisters Donna Wedick and her husband Joseph of Keyport, New Jersey, Diane Yorks and her husband James of Hazlet, New Jersey, Dawn Zarkowski of Brick, New Jersey, her dear aunt Bernice Beinert and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. 

Family and friends are invited to visit on Wednesday April 19, 2017, from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 PM and April 20, Thursday Morning 8:45 to 9:30 AM at the Shore Point Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Inc., 3269 State Route/Highway 35 North in Hazlet, New Jersey 07730. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on  April 20, Thursday at 10:00 AM at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 165 Bethany Road, Holmdel, New Jersey 07733.  Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery on Broadway in Keyport, New Jersey 07735. For information, directions, or to send condolences to the family, please visit, www.shorepointfh.com

 Service Information