Obituary of Deborah Bruyn

Deborah Bruyn
“Debbie”
Pine Bush, NY

Deborah “Debbie” Bruyn, 78, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at home following an extended illness.

Born on June 30, 1947, Debbie was raised in Highland Mills, New York, and graduated in 1965 from Monroe-Woodbury High School. She married James Bruyn in 1969, and in 1974 they moved to Pine Bush, where they put down roots and raised their family.

A devoted homemaker while her sons were growing up, Debbie later became active in the community through the Pine Bush Arts Council and her work at the Pine Bush Library. She sang in the choir at New Prospect Church and had an extraordinary love of music—often identifying a tune within moments. A lifelong reader with remarkable recall, she was notoriously good at trivia. Debbie had a quick, dry sense of humor and enjoyed British entertainment such as Monty Python's Flying Circus and Doctor Who, along with classic B-movies like Attack of the Killer Tomatoes.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Bruyn; her sister, Dawn Conklin; her parents, Myrtle and LeRoy Conklin; and extended family and friends. She is survived by her sister, Denise Conklin; her sons, James Bruyn Jr. and his partner Holly Wright, and Roy Bruyn and his fiancé Kathleen Warren; her granddaughter, Arielle Sewell and her husband Alex; her great-grandchildren, Tristan and Trent Smith; and many cousins, friends, and loved ones.

Debbie will be remembered for her intelligence, humor, and deep devotion to her family and community. Her love of music, books, and laughter will live on in all who knew her.

There will be a memorial service at a later date. The family has suggested memorial contributions be made to the Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties. Arrangements entrusted to the William M. Gagan Funeral Home Inc. www.wmgaganfuneralhome.com