Debra Matlock Karaszewski

To view Part 1 of Debra's Celebration of Life, Click Here. To view Part 2 of Debra's Celebration of Life, Click Here. To view Part 3 of Debra's Celebration of Life, Click Here. Debra Matlock Karaszewski, 56, took her final journey to the Lord on December 01, 2011. She died peacefully in her sleep, at home surrounded by her loving husband, daughter and family. Debbie, a twin, was born November 18, 1955 in Tucson, Arizona. Her parents, Marge and Jerry Matlock, had six children. Barbara Fisher, married to Chris; Tom Matlock, married to Barbara; Bill Matlock, married to Kathy; Donna O'Leske, her twin; and Diane Sweeney who is married to Mike. She has many nieces and nephews, cousins and in-laws. Debbie grew up in Tucson and saw many changes over the years, as Tucson itself grew and developed into the city it is now. When she was 10, her family moved to Brazil where her father, a professor of agricultural engineering, helped counterpart professors at the University of Cearamake with improvements in their teaching, research, and extension programs. The family spent two years there, long enough for Debbie to learn Portuguese and gain an appreciation for Brazilian culture and the culture of her home in Tucson. Debbie graduated from Catalina High School in 1973. She later attended the University of Arizona, and graduated from Pima Community College with a degree in radiologic technology. She continued with her education and attained a Baccalaureate degree in Medical Imaging from Washburn College. She worked as a radiology tech at Urological Associates and as a radiation therapist and medical dosimetrist at Arizona Oncology. Her career choice was to help others with medical ailments. She always brought a smile to the faces of her patients. Debbie was an incredible wife and mother. She was loving, kind and selfless in all that she did. She took great pride in her daughter Kim; guiding her education, supporting her dream to dance and actively participating in dancing with her. She was fulfilled in every way through Kim. She enjoyed traveling with her husband Michael, Kim and step children, Eric Karaszewski and Kaitlin Reith, married to Rylon. She especially enjoyed hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, cycling, skiing and flying with her husband in their Cessna aircraft. When not traveling, she enjoyed making keepsake videos of their experiences. She was an expert seamstress and made several memory quilts for family members. Even when her strength was diminished by her illness, she worked feverishly to complete quilts for her husband and daughter. She made one final video dedicated to her husband for their anniversary to thank him for giving her the world. She was truly an inspiration to all who knew her. The family would like to thank her many doctors and other medical professionals, especially Dr. Donald Brooks, Linda Barroero (NP), Dr. Curtis Mack and Dr. Paul Walshaw for their excellent medical care over many years. Their care gave us the most precious gift of all - more time with Debbie. We also give thanks to the staff of Casa de la Luz Hospice for their assistance during a difficult time.