Deanna Jill was born October 26, 1970 to Clara Shackil, née Morgan in Passaic, NJ. While it may not always have been clear to us, God had a plan for her. Deanna grew up in Nutley, NJ and was a very sweet baby who loved her Golden Books. When Deanna was two she began to show signs of regression which led to a much later diagnosis, at age 25, of Retts Syndrome. Deanna's grandparents, Merrill and Rose Morgan, were a very big part of her life. Her grandfather would take her out for walks every day which Deanna loved. He would hold her by the hand and they would walk up and down the block. Her grandmother would always make Deanna her favorite meals which were spaghetti and cake.

When Deanna was seven she was blessed to be surrounded by amazing angels on earth who loved and cared for her deeply at The Eastern Christian Children's Retreat in Wyckoff, NJ. The Retreat was Deanna's home and it was where she made so many wonderful memories. Whether it was in her daily RAVE school classes, singing and dancing at the Holiday Express, field trips to the beach, or just hanging around outside and laughing with friends, Deanna lived a life full of happiness, joy, amazing comfort, and good health.

At the age of 14 she gained a Stepfather, Albert Shackil. Deanna used to love taking trips to their NYC apartment where they would take Deanna to the park, hang out in the apartment listening to good music, and eating delicious food. When Deanna was 15 she was given one of her greatest roles thus far, a big sister. Over the next 7 years Deanna became a big sister to three siblings, Jessica, Kristin, and Michael. Deanna loved sleepovers with her siblings. They all slept in one room and kept her up later than she preferred. Deanna loved coming home for the holidays and hanging with her sisters and brother, taking trips all over NJ, and participating in the many activities at the retreat. She could always count on her siblings to buy her the latest fuzzy socks and slippers— which were some of her favorite things.

Deanna's infamous side eye always let you know her thoughts— most often that she wanted to go back home where it was quiet. At the retreat, her favorite thing to do was watch Say Yes to the Dress . And you could always count on DeeDee rolling her eyes when physical therapy came
to get her. While she may have been unable to speak, Deanna always told you what she was thinking with her eyes— they were the window to her soul. A subtle smile, a snarky side eye, or a gentle falling tear shared her feelings. She had her own way of communicating and those who loved Deanna were fluent in her language.

Deanna was honored to be a bridesmaid in each of her sisters' weddings. Wearing the latest velour outfit and flower corsage, Deanna even managed to give a few smiles for the camera—despite her typical sassy personality. Her family has wonderful memories of visiting her at the retreat and at the assisted living house where she lived in Waldwick, NJ. She loved when they would bring her McDonald's Filet-O-Fish sandwiches and chocolate cake. DeeDee loved being snuggled up and spending time in her favorite recliner chair, with her feet up. Despite being the oldest, she was definitely the spoiled one. Smiles, memories, love and laughter were always in good supply when family visited. No amount of distance could break the incredible bond her siblings and she shared. She even enjoyed visits from Rosie, her four-legged friend, and Phil, who was waiting for her in Heaven.

Deanna Jill passed away at 3:58 pm on December 5, 2022 surrounded by those who loved her. Deanna is survived by her devoted mother, Clara Shackil, and stepfather, Albert Shackil; her sister Jessica Palombi and husband, Dominick Palombi II and nephews Easton and Aspen Palombi; her sister Kristin Clark and husband John Clark and niece and nephew Kamilah and Everett Clark; and her brother Michael Shackil. Deanna will also be greatly missed by her cousins the Becker Family, and the Stetz Families; foster sister Dolores Perla; best friend Ginny Henderson; amazing nurse Erica Labascio, and many of her friends and extended family members from HOPE Christian Services. Waiting for her in Heaven are many friends and family who have passed before her.

Visiting Sunday, December 18, 2022, 2-6 PM at the Shook Funeral Home, 639 Van Houten Ave., Clifton. Funeral Monday, December 19, 2022, 10:30 AM at the funeral home. Interment, Crest Haven Memorial Park, Clifton.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Deanna's name to HOPE Christian Services (https://hopechristian.org/donate/; For more information, call 201-848-8005) or the Rett Syndrome Foundation (https://www.rettsyndrome.org/get-involved/donate/; Toll-Free: 800-818-RETT (7388).)