Debra Lee Stevens Pincek, 69, went to her eternal home on September 2, 2022. She was a loving and kind woman of God; a mother, sister, cousin, aunt, colleague, and friend.
She was born in Butler, PA on April 18, 1953, the eldest daughter of Calvin and Donna Foss Stevens
She graduated from Karns City Area High School and continued her education, earning a bachelor’s degree in Food Services Administration and Nutrition from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree in Student Personnel Administration from Slippery Rock University.
Her career working in higher education was extensive. During her 42 years at Slippery Rock University (SRU), she was a strong advocate for students and an integral part of the Student Life division of the university. She first joined SRU as director of food service; she retired in 2019 as executive director of student services. During her tenure at SRU, she was the leader in developing a state-of-the art higher education food service program and related facilities, which were visited by colleges and universities from across the country, who looked at SRU as a model for food service. She was highly respected by food service companies, consultants, and colleagues from across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. She served on numerous university and state committees and was considered an expert in her field. Towards the end of her career, she additionally managed and budgeted for several areas of the Student Life division. She is best known for valuing every colleague at the university. Position and title made no difference. She respected presidents, faculty, maintenance workers, and all employees equally, and this was apparent to most, a quality learned from her father at an early age.
Deb served as board member of the Slippery Rock University Federal Credit Union (SRUFCU) for numerous years, continuing this volunteer service after her retirement and up until her passing.
Besides her love for beach travel, being with family, and reading, her true loves were cooking, music, and serving her church. She cooked for families and friends in need, or simply invited others over for a meal and fellowship. She was especially known for baking pies to celebrate the birthdays of friends and colleagues.
Music was one of Deb’s early passions. She had a God-given ability to play the piano, and began playing for church services at Karns City United Methodist Church, as early as 16 years of age. For many decades she served as an accompanist at Christ Community United Methodist church in Butler. She additionally served on numerous committees at her church, helping to organize holiday events, and teaching childrens’ Sunday school for several years.
Debra lived a rich and rewarding life, but her greatest joy was being a loving and dedicated mother to her precious son, Jonathan (Ash White).
She is also survived by her sister, Elizabeth “Betsy” Stevens of Butler; sibling-like cousins, Juliann Stevens McConnell (James) and Jack Barrett (Lauren Saunders); and several additional cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws and loved ones.
She has now seen the face of Jesus and has joined her parents and other saints in a joyful reunion in their heavenly home.
Deb’s family would like to sincerely thank all of the doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers at the Butler Health System and Concordia’s skilled nursing and Good Samaritan Hospice for the attentive care provided to her.
Private funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hile Funeral Home of Chicora. Interment beside her parents will be at Bear Creek Cemetery in Petrolia. A memorial service, open to all, is planned for later in the fall, date and location to be determined. Those wishing to honor Deb’s memory, should consider donations to the American Cancer Society at cancer.org. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com