Debbie Norfolk passed away peacefully on August 25, 2026, after a long illness, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born June 19, 1955, in Huntington, New York, to Stan Haliy and Theresa Porzungolo Haliy. She lived a life filled with love, laughter, family, friendship, travel, good food, and a generosity that seemed to have no limits.

Some of Debbie’s happiest childhood memories were of summers spent on the beach in Huntington Harbor. She attended St. Hugh of Lincoln from first through eighth grade, where she played guitar at the folk Mass, and later graduated from Holy Family High School. Debbie was never especially fond of sitting in a classroom, but her teachers loved her. Even then, she had the warmth, humor, and personality that would draw people to her throughout her life.

In 1975, Debbie graduated from Long Island College Hospital School of Nursing. During her time there, she formed a close group of friends who remained part of her life for the next 50 years. They recently celebrated that milestone together in Brooklyn, continuing a tradition of sharing important moments that had begun so many years earlier.

After moving to Florida in 1979, Debbie began a 40-year career as a maternity nurse. She had a natural way with mothers and babies. Her calm presence, kindness, humor, and ability to make people feel comfortable touched thousands of families. She also formed lasting friendships with the people she worked alongside, many of whom remained close to her long after their working years had ended.

Debbie was the person people called when they needed help—or when they simply wanted someone fun to be with. She was always ready with advice, encouragement, companionship, or a spontaneous plan. If someone needed her, she did not hesitate. She might drop everything for a trip to the beach or get on a plane before anyone had time to ask twice. When her parents moved to Florida, Debbie made sure they were cared for and was there whenever they needed her.

Her friends remember that same generous and playful spirit. Holly recalls Debbie and their nursing-school friends making paper snowflakes in the common room while Frank Sinatra played in the background. They were thrilled when it actually began to snow. Gail remembers traveling with Debbie, especially to Edisto Beach, where they watched the shrimp boats come in, bought fresh seafood, and cooked together. Those simple traditions became some of their favorite memories.

Travel was another great joy in Debbie’s life. She and Craig made many trips to the mountains of North Carolina to see the fall foliage, visited Edisto, South Carolina, and enjoyed attending Maine lobster festivals. Their favorite trips, however, were their cruises to Alaska, where Debbie loved the beauty and adventure of the journey. She also dreamed of eventually retiring to Edisto and becoming a “turtle lady.”

Family was always at the heart of Debbie’s life. She was briefly married to James Nolan, and together they welcomed their daughter, Emily Nolan Argyriou, who was the light of her life. Debbie was especially proud that Emily followed her into nursing. Emily and her husband, Stratos Argyriou—her high school sweetheart—shared countless holidays, Sunday barbecues, and ordinary family days with Debbie. Those everyday moments meant everything to her.

Debbie later met Craig Norfolk, and they married and spent 30 wonderful years together. They were true partners, sharing a love of travel, family, food, laughter, and life. Their son, Corey Norfolk, brought even more joy to the family. Corey, who has lived in Florida all his life, will always remember his mother’s laughter and the way she delighted in his sense of humor.

Six years ago, Debbie became a grandmother when Elias Argyriou was born. Two years later, Elena arrived. Her grandchildren quickly became two of the greatest joys of her life. She loved watching them grow and took great delight in every stage of their lives.

Debbie’s love extended far beyond her immediate family. She stayed in Brooklyn to help when her niece was caring for newborn twins and an 18-month-old. She was always willing to step in when someone needed her. And whenever she visited, she brought thoughtful gifts. Her nieces and the younger members of the family still remember the excitement of receiving an “Aunt Debbie gift.”

Debbie was also a wonderful cook. She could always be counted on to arrive with her famous lasagna or sausage bread. She loved good food, but she loved sharing it even more. Some of her happiest times with her sister Patti were spent talking, laughing, swimming in the ocean for hours, and walking the Hollywood Broadwalk in search of the perfect Greek salad. Those conversations, meals, and long days together were part of what made their relationship so special.

When Debbie was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, it was a devastating shock. Even as the disease made life more difficult, she continued to face each day with hope and determination. More than anything, she wanted to remain here for the people she loved, especially Craig. She never stopped hoping for more time with him.

Craig was devoted to Debbie throughout her illness. He stood beside her through the hardest months, cared for her with patience and love, and never gave up hope. Their 30 years together were built on friendship, partnership, laughter, and a deep love that remained strong until the very end.

Debbie leaves behind her husband, Craig; her beloved daughter, Emily, and her husband, Stratos; her son, Corey; her grandchildren, Elias and Elena; her sister, Patti Brazill, and her husband, Roger Brazill; her stepson, Chris Norfolk, and his wife, Melissa; her nieces, Julia Delgado and Caitlyn Brazill; and her great-nieces and great-nephews, Ramona, Juniper, Maria Curaming, Haliy Hawkins Brazill, Theo Hawkins Brazill, and Luca Hawkins Brazill.

She also leaves behind a large and loving circle of friends whose lives she touched over the years.

Debbie had a way of making people feel important and loved. She showed up. She listened. She made people laugh. She brought food, gifts, advice, and comfort. She was generous with her time and her heart, and she always made room in her life for the people she cared about.

She will be remembered for her laughter, her kindness, her love of family, her wonderful cooking, her adventurous spirit, and the way she was always there when someone needed her. She will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

A celebration of Debbie’s life will be held on November 7, 2026, at Dr. John D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park.

In keeping with Debbie’s love of turtles and her dream of becoming a “turtle lady,” friends who wish to honor her memory may make a donation to The Turtle Hospital:

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