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
Tom, My heart is heavy for you. I’m sure Debra has been welcomed Home with open arms. Tamara
Tom, Keith, Mike (Bodhi, Jade, Willow, Olaf) Deb’s charm, sincerity and LOVE is forever with us. Such an uncommonly wonderful human being, we are so blessed by her presence in each of our lives. You, her treasured family, are in my prayers. Hugs and Love, Donna
What a beautiful soul lost. She was loved by all. I can never play BINGO without hearing her fun little quotes. B4 not after. My prayers are with Tom and family.
DEAR TOM I AM VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
EDWARD KLARK
Tom,
Barb and I send our heartfelt condolences.Though I only met Deb
a few times,it was obvious what a wonderful person she was.Our prayers and wishes for God’s comfort are with you,Mike,Keith and all
of Deb’s loved ones.
Terry Hallock
I was so sorry to hear of Deb’s passing. She was such an inspiration to the Residents at Kinzua. Her friendship and kindness meant so much to me while I was in Warren. I will always remember her.
God bless you on your journey,Debi. You will be missed by so many. Your smile always lit up the world around you. Love you!
My heart aches for all who know and love Deb. What a special person she was! She was a person that displayed such love and kindness to all who crossed her path. I loved talking with her and always came away feeling refreshed. She had a way of making each person feel valued. She maintained this spirit even in the face of her illness. What a gem.
The Bible speaks of death as an enemy at 2 Corinthians 15:26. How true that is. While we know our dear friend is no longer suffering, the loss we feel can weigh heavy on our hearts.
Tom, I do hope that you will find peace in reflecting on warm memories of better times. May you be comforted in knowing you were there for your wife when she needed you most. That support likely sustained her and warmed her heart.
And to Deb’s children – I have not met you but believe you likely will continue the legacy your mother started by touching the lives of others in the same loving, kind way. What a fitting tribute for all of us that knew her.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tom Im sorry for your loss. Deb and I were best friends in Buffalo. I am so sorry hearing of her death. She was such a good kind hearted person. She is no longer suffering.
Tom, I am so saddened to hear of Debra’s passing. I did not even know you had remarried until Bart Green told me of her passing. I can only imagine the pain that must be in your heart.