Debra

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Debra Matela, 57, of Howland, peacefully passed into God's warm arms surrounded by her loving family and friends at 5:45PM, Wednesday July 18, 2012 of a very short and unexpected illness.

Debra was born December 22, 1954 to her loving parents Andrew and Rose Matela at Trumbull Memorial Hospital in Warren, Ohio.

Debra was loved by many, survived by her mother Rose Matela, son Ian Matela, his girlfriend Robin Robinson and grandson Andrew Matela; surrogate mother to nephew Stephen Foster, sister Rose and Husband Blaine Swartzfager, nephew Brian Swartzfager and wife Rachael and children Julie, Bree and Tim; Niece Becky Swartzfager and boyfriend Joe Updegraff and son Jordan; cousin Drew Gresko and family; special friends Dave and Linda Spies; many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and co-workers.

Debra was preceded in death by father Andrew, Sister Nadine and her beloved pet Jackson.

A single mother, Debra worked very hard at several jobs while attaining a degree in Computer Science; working the past 16 years as a software engineer at Eastern Software Corporation of Sharon, PA where she gained wide respect and love by her fellow workers who will dearly miss her.

Since her father's and sister Nadine's deaths, her first priority has been providing for her son, closely followed by her dedication and unwavering love and friendship for her mother Rose, nephew Stephen and more recently her loving grandson Andrew. More broadly, Debra was a very giving and loving person to anyone who had the honor of getting to know her.

Debra enjoyed varying musical genres but especially Jazz, enjoyed reading a good book while sitting in a chair with her feet being gently washed by the waves at the beaches of her favorite vacation spot in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and especially enjoyed cooking fantastic meals washed down by a good bottle of wine that provided for unforgettable evenings of joyous celebrations of life.

One of Debra's last wishes was that her friends and loved ones, rather than bereave her passing to celebrate her living. A celebration of life event will be hosted at Debra's sister and brother-in-law's home on Saturday July 21, 2012 to start at 6:00PM.

In lieu of flowers et al, given Debra's strong belief in higher education, a trust is being established for Debra's grandson Andrew at Huntington Bank. Please contact Rose Swartzfager for further information by emailing her at rosaflower@embarqmail.com .

Arrangements are entrusted to McFarland & Son Funeral and Cremation Services, 271 N. Park Ave., Warren, Ohio 44481. Please visit www.mcfarlandcares.com to view this obituary, send condolences, and order flowers.

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