Debra Costner Kowaleski

July 22, 1951 – October 29, 2026

Debra Kowaleski, 75, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, October 29, 2026. A devoted wife, extraordinary mother, cherished Mema, and woman of unwavering faith, Debra lived a life filled with love, laughter, kindness, and a deep devotion to those she held dear.

Born on July 22, 1951, in Miami, Florida, Debra was the eldest of five children born to Bill and Joan Costner. She grew up alongside her sisters, Cheryl, Brenda, and Annette, and her brother, Billy.

On March 8, 1975, Debra married the love of her life, Ted Kowaleski, Jr. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, family, and treasured memories. On March 5, 1984, they welcomed their daughter, Julie, their long-awaited miracle baby. Motherhood was one of Debra's greatest blessings. She was the kind of mother who was always there, offering unconditional love, encouragement, comfort, and a listening ear. As Julie grew older, their relationship blossomed into a beautiful friendship. They spoke every day, often several times a day, sharing life's joys, challenges, and ordinary moments. Debra was more than a mother. She was her daughter's best friend.

Becoming a Mema brought Debra another extraordinary kind of happiness. Her grandsons, Mason and Maddox, were among her greatest joys, and she treasured every opportunity to be part of their lives. From hiding Easter eggs for their annual hunts and picking them up from school or daycare to caring for them when they were sick and introducing them to the simple delight of ice cream, she made even the smallest moments special. She was a constant, loving presence in their lives, and the memories they created together will forever be cherished.

Family was always at the center of Debra's world. She loved bringing everyone together, especially around the dinner table, where her delicious home-cooked meals were often accompanied by laughter, conversation, and stories. Annual summer vacations to the beach became treasured family traditions, filled with memories of time spent together. To Debra, the greatest happiness came from being surrounded by the people she loved.

Throughout her career, Debra worked for Eastern Airlines, System One, Amadeus, and most recently, NCR. She formed lasting friendships along the way, remaining close to many former colleagues, especially her dear friends Linda and Jolene. Her warmth, generosity, and genuine interest in others made her someone people loved having in their lives.

Debra had a wonderful appreciation for life's beauty. She loved the arts in all their forms, from movies and theater to crafts and creative projects. She was a gifted gardener with a remarkable green thumb and a special fondness for butterflies and hummingbirds. The Great Smoky Mountains held a special place in her heart, bringing back cherished childhood memories of camping with her grandparents. She found happiness in nature, creativity, and the simple pleasures of everyday life.

Her generous spirit extended far beyond her family. Debra had a heart for serving others and was always looking for opportunities to make a difference. Whether packing shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, preparing meals for Feed the Hungry, or helping someone in need, she gave freely of her time and love. She believed in showing kindness through her actions and lived that belief throughout her life.

Above all, Debra loved the Lord. Her faith was the foundation of her life and a source of strength through both joyful and difficult seasons. The loss of her beloved husband, Ted, in 2024 brought tremendous heartache, but she held tightly to God's promise of eternal life and the hope of seeing him again. Although her family grieves her unexpected passing, they find peace in knowing she is now home with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and reunited with the husband she loved so dearly.

Debra was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ted Kowaleski, Jr., her parents, Bill and Joan Costner, and her sisters, Cheryl Dempsey and Brenda Ortiz.

She leaves behind her loving daughter, Julie Mattice, and son-in-law, Jason, her treasured grandsons, Mason and Maddox, her sister, Annette Costner, and her brother, Billy Costner, along with extended family members and countless friends whose lives were made brighter by knowing her.

Debra's life was defined by the love she gave so freely. She made people feel welcomed, cared for, and deeply loved. Her family will miss her laughter, her comforting presence, her phone calls, and the countless little things that made her so special. While her absence leaves an immeasurable emptiness, her love will continue through the family she cherished, the memories she created, and the lives she touched.

She was deeply loved, she will be profoundly missed, and she will never be forgotten.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Samaritan's Purse, an organization whose mission of helping others reflects Debra's generous heart and Christian faith. Donations may be made at www.samaritanspurse.org.