Debra Ann Sewell

Debbie was born on December 14th, 1957 in East Chicago, IN to John and Estelle Hnatko (née Steliga). She is survived by her beloved husband Newton “Newt” Sewell; her daughter, Kara (Chris) Rak; and son, Derek (Erika) Paraschos; their father, John Ralowski; her brother, John (Sharon) Hnatko; and sister, Donna Dybel; eight grandchildren, Raquel, Abigail, Diego, Kasiah, Derek, Jr., Damien, Kailani, and Charlie; two great-grandchildren, Alena and Amelia; one grand-dog, Scout; four nieces and many cousins. Debbie is also survived by her three step-sons, Joshua (fiance Sonya), Jake and James Sewell; as well as her father-in-law, James VanGilder; and brother-in-law, Richard (Diane) Snedden.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Estelle Hnatko; her brother-in-law, Kenneth Dybel; and their dog, Carly.

Debbie grew up in the Roxana neighborhood of East Chicago and attended St. Stanislaus. She then went on to graduate from East Chicago Roosevelt High School as part of the class of 1975. Her career included different Municipal positions with both the City of East Chicago and the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, where she would later retire. In that time, she would begin her relationship with Newt, and after being together for 14 years, Newt would marry the Love of his Life. Newt and Debbie would go on to enjoy ten wonderful years of marriage.

As they say, to know Debbie was to love Debbie. She could and would make friends anywhere she went. She could get along with just about anybody she encountered through her life. She had such a huge heart and so much compassion for people that she once prepared to feed and clothe a homeless family that, upon further inspection, would end up being a heap of trash bags. She also had so much care for people that she once went in search of a woman she gave directions to because she felt that the woman might have been disoriented and lost. Debbie loved her family and friends and was always up for an adventure, unless it interrupted her nap time. Debbie enjoyed trips to the house in Tennessee, the Casino with friends, and in recent years, Michigan for snacks. Her big heart was not exclusive to humans, but also included all types of animals. From domestic animals, to her chipmunk relocation hobby, Debbie loved to care for all of God’s creatures. Her birds and deer were sometimes fed better than Newt was.

Debbie had a heart of gold and a gypsy soul.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to either:

Humane Indiana (https://www.humaneindiana.org/donate) or

Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center Award (https://www.heart.org/en/professional/quality-improvement/mitral-valve-foundation?form=FUNELYZXFBW)

A visitation to honor Debbie will be held on Friday, July 25th from 2:00 - 8:00 pm, with a Prayer Service at 4:00 pm, at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 8178 Cline Avenue, Crown Point, IN 46307.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ChapelLawnFunerals.com for the Sewell family.