Deborah Markle

On December 28,

2022, Fox Chase

Cancer Center delivered Deborah “Sam” Markle, of Lopatcong, NJ, her death sentence of Acute Myeloid Leukemia and gave her the grim prognosis of six months. Those of you who know

Sam, know she was a warrior and up for the literal fight of her life. Unfortunately, on February 22, 2024, after almost 14 months of battle, she lost the fight and passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Her team at Fox Chase and St. Luke's oncologist, Dr. Smith, deserve credit for helping her extend her life. However, it was Sam's grit, determination, and at times, stubbornness that really kept her going.

Born February 24, 1951, in Allentown, PA, she was the daughter of the late Howard C. Markle and Joyce Huber Markle.

Deborah “Sam” Markle was a graduate of Whitehall High School and the University of Pittsburgh where she was a part of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). She then served in the United States Air Force as a Physical Therapist. Sam had a passion for being a pediatric physical therapist and went on to own Sam's Kids Pediatric Therapy, LLC where she saw each of her patients as one of her “kids” and loved them as if they were. After retiring her business, she went to work for Connective Intervention Services because she was not ready to give up her passion.

She is survived by her children, Sean McConnell and fiancée Beth Calabria, and Sheena Walter, who she loved dearly and cared for her in her home as she wished until her last breath. The only people she loved more than her children, were her grandchildren, and Jesus her Lord and Savior. Her grandson, Logan Walter affectionately referred to her as “my little chipmunk” and always kept her laughing (sometimes until she cried). Maggie-Grace McConnell was her favorite “doctor” who checked her vitals every chance she got with her childlike innocence. Jack Calabria always tried to keep things calm within this storm; and he did so with maturity and grace.

Sam is also survived by a brother, James

Markle, and sisters, Pamela Amelio and Barbara Jean Tomsics, as well as her church family at Phillipsburg Alliance Church, and countless friends who became family as they helped her with transportation, meals, and support.

“Some people appear in your life when you need them most. They love you and lift you up, reminding you of the best, even when you are going through the worst. These people are not just friends, they are Earth Angels.” (Anna Grace Taylor) Sam had her very own Earth Angels, her Home Health Aides, Elvia, Dawn, and Elvis. Her family will be eternally grateful for the love and care you provided to all of us.

Sam always told her children, “It takes a village…” and she and her family could not have fought this battle without theirs.

A calling hour will be held on Thursday,

February 29, 2024, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at the Finegan Funeral Home at 302 Heckman Street in Phillipsburg, with a Funeral Service beginning at 1:00 pm at the funeral home. The interment will be at the Northampton Memorial Shrine in Palmer Township, PA. Visit www. fineganfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at www.lls.org.