Obituary of Deborah M. Binder

Deborah Binder, age 66 years of Merchantville, formerly of East Lansdowne, PA was called to Redemption with the Lord on October 29, 2021 after a brief illness.

Beloved daughter of, Joan Binder (nee Molko) and the late John “Jack”.  Loving sister of Jack (Cindi), Bill (Sandy), Chris (Lisa) and Mark.  Devoted aunt of 14 nieces and nephews and 15 great nieces and nephews.    

Deborah lived her life in service to the Lord and her fellow man.  For the last five years, she was the Assistant Director of the National Shrine of Saint John Neumann in Philadelphia. She shared her devotion to Saint John Neumann with thousands who participated in pilgrimages from all over the world. Debbie’s was a labor of love and she lived the example of Saint John Neumann in her dedication to the most abandoned, including the poor.

Debbie’s devotion to her faith called her previously to a dedication to service as the Assistant Director of the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia for ten years.  She touched the lives of many as she modeled the values of St. Rita of Cascia exemplifying both love of God and love of neighbor.

Deborah was an active member of her parish, Saint Peter in Merchantville NJ. She believed in the sanctity of all life and was dedicated to leading the Pro-Life ministry in her parish and beyond.  She embraced her faith through daily participation in Mass and prayerful reflection.  Debbie was a Lector and an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.

Deborah grew up in East Lansdowne, Pa attending Saint Cyril’s elementary school, Archbishop Prendergast High School and graduating from Temple University. She began her career and life of service as an art teacher and progressed to a Principal spending 27 years in this calling.  Debbie saw beauty in all of God’s creation and she received special joy from connecting children to art.

Debbie was also devoted to her family and was always there to support and share in the joys of celebrating life with her nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.  Holidays especially Christmas were a time of joy and laughter and provided Debbie with a special time to connect.

Deborah was always an engaged listener and connector. She was genuinely kind. She had a great sense of humor and laughed easily. She was a beloved friend to so many and touched the lives of all that she met.  She will be missed dearly by all who knew her. 

Relatives and friends are invited to the Visitation and Funeral on Thursday, November 4, 2021 from 9-11 AM at the St. Peter the Apostle RC Church located at the Shine of St. John Neumann, 1019 N. 5^th Street in Philadelphia, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM.  Interment will follow at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery in Springfield, PA. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Saint John Neumann Shrine at the above address OR St. Peter RC Church 43 W. Maple Ave Merchantville, NJ 08109.