The Sayville Alumni Association is saddened to announce the passing of one of our own, Debbie (Beintema) Green, a beloved and cherished member of the Class of 1976. Debbie left us on August 22, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and warmth that will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Born on April 22, 1958, Debbie was a true daughter of West Sayville. She grew up in the family home just off Cherry Avenue in West Sayville, a community where the Beintema name was synonymous with warmth, integrity, and wonderful neighbors. Her dad was Bud Beintema worked for Sayville Schools and played Santa at the elementary schools. The roots of her family ran deep in our town, and she carried that spirit of community with her throughout her life.
After her time in Sayville, Debbie built a life and career dedicated to care and service. She resided in Lady Lake, Florida, where she applied her skilled and compassionate nature as an EKG Technician and Phlebotomist. She later contributed her talents to the Billing Department at Quest Diagnostics, Inc. Her professional path reflects a lifelong commitment to the well-being of others, a quality that undoubtedly touched countless patients and colleagues.
We extend our sincere gratitude to her second cousin, Judi (Hone) McHugh, for so thoughtfully notifying us of this loss. It is through the connections of our alumni family that we are able to support one another in times of grief.
The family is planning a celebration of Debbie’s life to be held at a later date, likely in her hometown of West Sayville. Debbie’s brother Steve (Class of 1984) is handling arrangements. We will share details with the alumni community as soon as they become available, providing an opportunity for us to come together and honor her memory.
To ensure that Debbie’s spirit continues to shine brightly within our association, we will establish a permanent memorial page dedicated to her life and legacy. This will serve as a lasting space for remembrance, where friends and classmates can share stories and photos. Furthermore, we will honor her annually on her birthday, April 22nd, celebrating the joy, kindness, and indelible mark she left on our hearts.
During this difficult time, we extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to her family, her wide circle of friends, her former teachers, and all her classmates. May our collective memories provide some measure of comfort, and may she rest in eternal peace.