Deborah J. Howell, affectionately known as Debbie, was born on October 17, 1955, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, and she gracefully departed this life on December 11, 2025. A daughter of Richard and Marlene Tiskiewicz, Debbie's life was a testament to love, resilience, and the joy of familial bonds.

Debbie graduated from South Allegheny High School in Liberty Borough, PA, in 1973, marking the beginning of a journey filled with cherished memories. As a devoted mother, she raised her children with unwavering love and strength. Her daughter, Kelly Mari, along with her sons, Jason Bartko and Josh Bartko, were the pride of her life. She was especially proud of her daughter, having lovingly imparted the secrets of preparing her cherished Thanksgiving Day dinner. In her final Thanksgiving celebration, she beamed with pride, telling Kelly, “you finally got it right!"

The joys of family extended to her grandchildren—Alex, Gavin, Devin, Brenden, Dylan, Nathen, and Chaz—and her great-grandchildren, James and Koda, who brought her immeasurable happiness. Debbie thrived in the company of her loved ones, and her legacy continues through them. Her brother, Kevin Tiskiewicz, her nieces, Lindsay Tiskiewicz and Jeana Chacho, as well as her nephew, Keith Tiskiewicz Jr., all hold treasured memories of her warmth and kindness.

As an animal lover, Debbie found companionship and joy in her beloved cat, Sophia, and she looked forward to the playful antics of Cali, her grand-dog. For 50 years, she was blessed with an unbreakable bond of friendship with Mary Ellen Thompson, who stood by her through thick and thin.

Debbie's heart was a tapestry woven with passions that brought her joy. A lover of music, her heart danced to the rhythms of The Beatles and Michael Jackson, while evenings spent watching her favorite crime shows—SWAT and Criminal Minds—were fleeting escapes into thrilling narratives. She had a unique talent for capturing moments, dedicating herself to taking pictures and compiling photo albums that narrated the stories of her life and family, immortalizing the memories they shared.

Despite the challenges she faced, including her prognosis of congestive heart failure in late 2024, Debbie persevered with grace and tenacity. Her proudest accomplishment was reaching her milestone 70th birthday, surrounded by love and laughter.

Debbie's dedication to her family and her unyielding spirit touched the lives of many, and her memory will be forever held dear. In accordance with her wishes, there will be no official service, but her daughter Kelly will host a celebration of life in the coming months for family and close friends, where stories of love, laughter, and cherished memories will echo in the hearts of those she adored.

Rest in peace, dear Debbie. You are missed dearly and remembered fondly by all who were fortunate to know you.

Care of Deborah has been entrusted to In Their Honor Funeral and Cremation Providers.