Debbie Erica Elliott

Debbie Erica Elliott, 54, of New Cumberland died Sunday, Jan. 12, following a brief illness at UPMC Harrisburg Hospital.

Debbie and her twin brother, Daniel, were born Dec. 28, 1970, in Erie. The family lived at various times in Erie, Lebanon, and Rome, Georgia. Her fondest years were during her childhood in the small community of North East, near Erie. She and her four siblings were extremely close, sharing daily adventures and challenging each other in sports. Debbie was a talented athlete, excelling at basketball, tennis, and softball and was known for her strong, competitive spirit. As an adult, she took a keen interest in rescuing cats. The holidays were her favorite time, and especially Christmas, when the house was always brightly adorned with as many as seven twinkling trees and a wide assortment of other festive decorations, which always stayed lit from late November through January.

Debbie worked for 22 years in Pennsylvania state government (Department of Labor and Industry and Office of Administration), most recently as a human resource analyst. She completed the Commonwealth’s Emerging Leaders program and was honored two years ago with a Commonwealth award recognizing the high quality of her work. 

Debbie is survived by her husband, Scott Elliott; mother, Linda Mae (Evanoff) Sorensen of Lebanon; siblings, Dennis Sorensen (Wanda) of Klingerstown; Leslie Spears of Richland; Donna Sorensen of Lebanon; and Daniel Sorensen of Lebanon; beloved aunts and uncles; and several treasured nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father John Eyner Sorensen. 

Private burial will take place at Grand View Memorial Park, Lebanon, followed by a family celebration of Debbie’s life. An event is being planned for her friends in state government to gather and fondly remember Debbie.

As Debbie loved animals, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Lebanon County or any local animal shelter.