Deborah Lillian Heinen

Deborah Lillian Heinen (née Whitehead), 70, of Jersey City, New Jersey, passed away on September 2, 2025, at Jersey City Medical Center after a courageous battle with stage four lung cancer. She was born on May 16, 1955, at Margaret Hague Hospital in Jersey City to the late Joseph and Jule Whitehead(née Conklin).

Deborah lived a life centered on her family and community, raising her three children on her own with unwavering strength and love. She left behind a legacy of connection and resilience. She dedicated much of her career to public service, working at the Jersey City Water Department and City Hall, where she contributed to the well-being of her city.

She is survived by her three children: Ricky Heinen and his wife Shannon Heinen, Jason Heinen, and Jennifer Rutzler and her husband Timothy Rutzler; her seven grandchildren: Nicole Heinen, Ashley Rutzler, Katie Heinen, Casey Heinen, Brandon Rutzler, Juliana Heinen, and Jason Heinen; her three great-grandchildren: Liam Todd, Anthony Davila, and Phoenix Agramonte; her siblings Dennis Whitehead and Denise Wadleigh (née Whitehead) and her husband Kenneth Wadleigh; and her sisters-in-law Linda Whitehead and Candice Krebs. She was predeceased by her parents Joseph and Jule Whitehead; her siblings Joseph Whitehead, Lenny Whitehead, and William Whitehead; and her sister-in-law Regina Whitehead.

Deborah was known for her outgoing spirit and generous heart. She loved hanging out with her grandkids and great-grandkids—many of whom affectionately called her "Pow Pow"—creating cherished memories like fishing at the campsite with Liam and Timmy. She also enjoyed going to bingo, the casino, and tricky tray events, where she could be found chatting with everyone and making new friends. You could always count on her if you needed something—whether it was advice, a helping hand, or just a listening ear—and her nieces and nephews always knew they could go to her for help. Her warmth and approachability touched the lives of many, and she will be remembered for the joy she brought to every gathering.

Visitation is Friday, September 5, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Riotto Funeral Home & Cremation Company, 3205 Kennedy Blvd. Jersey City, NJ 07306.  (For GPS Navigation, it is best to use our parking lot address: 14 Stagg Street). Cremation is private. 

Deborah's spirit lives on in the hearts of her loved ones. She will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers, the family will ask that you make donations to them personally in order to help make a memorial bench in a local park in Deborah's memory.