Debra "Debbie" Ithier

Debra Lozada Ithier, lovingly known as Debbie, passed away on March 7, 2026, at the age of 64 after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. A proud long-time resident of Morningside Heights, Debbie was deeply connected to her community and found countless ways to help others. She volunteered through the PTA at her granddaughter’s school, gave many years of her time at the CYO retreat center Grace House, and had a remarkable gift for turning strangers into friends by the end of a conversation.

She worked for years in the administrative office at Columbia University and, after being laid off in the 1990s, faced life’s challenges with determination and resourcefulness. As a single mother raising three children, she took on various roles including supermarket cashier, home health aide, school cafeteria worker, and security guard at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, always doing what was necessary to care for her family.

Above all, Debbie’s greatest joy was her family. She cherished being surrounded by her children, friends, and especially her grandchildren, who could always count on her for love, laughter, and a bit of mischief. She loved life’s celebrations, particularly dancing to salsa music, and she maintained a playful passion for collecting I Love Lucy memorabilia.

Debbie is survived by her daughter Katrina and son-in-law Miguel; her sons Jai (Pito) and Mark (Anthony); her daughter-in-law Angelica; and her beloved grandchildren Adriana, Ava, and Mac. She is also survived by her sister Brigette, her niece Mariah (Alex), and her nephews Rafael Jr., Christopher, and Andrew.