Debra June Hartman Peca

Debra Peca (nee Hartman) passed away on November 16 after a long illness. She was 66.

Debie spent her early years in Swarthmore and attended Swarthmore Elementary School and Swarthmore High School. After marrying, she moved to Southwest Philadelphia, then to Hilton Head, South Carolina, before returning to Southwest Philadelphia, where she spent the remainder of her life.

Debie had a zest for life. A friend to all those she met, she dearly loved those friends she held close, and was a steadfast friend through all times. She was also devoted to her family and enjoyed her time with family and friends.

She was the daughter of the late William E. Hartman and Alice M. Hartman (nee Schlagel); the beloved mother of Joseph J. Peca Jr. (Amy), Christopher (who predeceased her), and Julianne; the loving grandmother of Joseph J. III and Isaac; and the beloved life partner of the late Joseph J. Peca. She was the beloved sister of Cynthia Hartman Robinson of Devon, Pennsylvania; Ellen K. Miller of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and William E. Hartman of Wichita, Kansas. Debie is also survived by Nicole Peca and her son Moise, daughter and grandson of her late life partner Joseph J. Peca; her love for them was so deep that she held them in her heart as her own children. And Debie was also loved — and is survived by — many nieces and nephews and their children. Debie loved the children in her life and many saw her as a “second mother” and friend.

Debie was unique in her ways of love, and in the friendships that she formed. She will be dearly missed by family and friends alike.