Debbie was born on December 18, 1955 in Baltimore, MD., the second of three daughters to Dolores and Bill Bettien. When Debbie was just a young girl she strived to emulate the faith, work ethics and generosity of her parents. She endeavored to do her best at school, and at the age of 14 was accepted into St. Elizabeth's Business School. It was there that she met her life-long friend Denise Smeltzer (nee Serio). When she was 16 she graduated with a high school diploma and a certificate in Business.

She started worked a year later at the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company. She remained there for the next 39 years until she was unable to work any longer due to her illness.

In 1978 she was introduced to Joe DeMarco, and found true love. They were married on September 6, 1980 and moved to Essex in 1986. There they raised two wonderful children, Megan, 28, and Shawn, 23.

Debbie's gentle, quiet and loving personality drew everyone to her. She had a joy of life that was simply contagious. You would always see a cheerful face and know you would be genuinely understood when you spoke with Debbie. Deb was well known both at work, in her neighborhood, and to all who knew her as a gentle and compassionate person. Her strength of character and integrity was an inspiration to everyone.

Debbie is survived by her husband, Joseph M. DeMarco, Jr. of Essex, MD., daughter, Megan E. DeMarco of Essex, MD., and son Shawn W. DeMarco of Essex, MD., father William Bettien of Baltimore, MD., sister Kathleen Bettien of Baltimore, MD., sister of Joanna Stankiwicz of Kingsville, MD., and many other loving extended family members.

A Funeral Liturgy will be held at the family owned Leonard J. Ruck, Inc. Funeral Home 5305 Harford Road (at Echodale) on Thursday 10:00am. Interment Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens. Friends may call on Tuesday and Wednesday 3-5 & 7-9pm. Memorial donations may be made to Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center 100 North Charles Street Suite 234
Baltimore, MD 21201