Debra K. LaJoy, 68, of Warren, PA, passed away on Friday, April 26, 2019, at Warren General Hospital.

Born on March 30, 1951 in Buffalo, NY, she was the daughter of the late Harold and Dorothy Hurd Young. Deb was a graduate of Tonawanda (NY) High School. She later graduated from Erie Community College in Williamsville, NY with an associate’s degree in Occupational Therapy. She was employed at Buffalo (NY) General Hospital and later for many years as Activities Director at Kinzua Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Warren, PA. Deb had a huge smile that could light up a room. She was such a compassionate person and loved her work at Kinzua Healthcare helping both the residents and their families. She loved to dance and had a great love for animals and had volunteered years ago for the Warren County Humane Society.

Deb is survived by her husband, Tommy Lee Handest, whom she married on October 15, 2011; 2 sons – Michael J. Harding of N. Tonawanda, NY, and Keith E. Harding (Julie M. Patnode) of Driggs, ID; 1 brother – Doug Young and his wife, Helen, of Coram, NY; 2 nieces, 1 nephew, many friends including her circle of friends, the “Prayer Warriors.” In addition to her parents, Deb was preceded in death by a sister – Dina Young.

Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service to be held at
2:00 P.M. on Saturday, May 4, 2019, at the Warren State Hospital Interfaith Chapel with Deacon Joseph Lucia, of Holy Redeemer R.C. Church, officiating. Those with to place a memorial may do so through the American Cancer Society, or to the World Wildlife Fund, 1250 24th St. NW, Washington, DC 20037, or to Paws Along the River, 212 Elm St., Warren, PA, 16365. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East St., Warren, PA. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com