Byram Township, NJ — Mrs. Deborah Day Tardive, 75, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2026, at Morristown Medical Center. She was born in Bloomfield, NJ, and lived in Belvidere, NJ, while spending summers at her house on Cranberry Lake in Byram Township.

Debbie earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Kentucky Wesleyan in 1972 and later obtained her Master’s Degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She dedicated more than 40 years to teaching at Long Valley Middle School, where she was a beloved and happily devoted educator.

Debbie was a member of the Board of Governors of the Cranberry Lake Community Club and taught Sunday school. She enjoyed summers on Cranberry Lake, boat rides, days at the beach, music, dancing, snow skiing, and most of all, spending time with her family and friends. She welcomed everyone with open arms and was always the life of the party. She also had a great sense of humor and famously hated watching golf.

Debbie is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, Rick D. Tardive; her son, Mike, his wife Catie, and their children, Mikey and Julia; and her son Derrick, his wife Aly, and their children, Natalie and Vivianne.

Friends may visit on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, from 5:00–8:00 p.m. at Davis & Hepplewhite Funeral Home, 96 Main Street, Succasunna, NJ, (973) 584-7264.

Her Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at Good Shepherd Roman Catholic Church, 48 Tranquility Road, Andover, NJ.