CORSPAN: Deb Kowalczyck Tribute

I have many, many fond memories of Deb.  We met during the first year of college at Cleveland State and followed the same course of studies in Speech Pathology.  College was more of a life awakening for both of us and we soon discovered that life could be fun after all.  We enjoyed many a night of wine, laughter, philosophy and music and Deb opened up new vistas to me with Carly Simon, James Taylor and Bette Midler.  I gave her Barbra Streisand.  We worked together for a time providing services and care to mentally retarded children/adults and then after wards we went our own ways and lost track of each other.  Within the past five years we hooked up again and I saw her about three years ago and she brought me an apple pie.  I will never forget that.
 
Deb had some much to offer and together we brought out the best within us.  She will always hold a special place in my heart. In so very many ways, she exposed me to life and taught me not to be so serious and to laugh.  Those moments will stay with me forever....

Kenneth Loeding

This is such a sad, moving and grief -filled moment.  In any way possible, can we - may be bless the family of Ms. Kowalzck.  What a dynamic woman of strength and amazing stamina!  She will be so missed!  

I pray the peace of Christ who alone can comfort the hearts of all she reached and became connected to until is Coming day!
Deb was a tremendous asset, and now...absolutely no worries or issues rest with her.  She is FREE!

Thank you everyone in Corspan, ASHA and within her circle of love who gave her the strength and motivation to see us through.

Kristie Adora Weaver

So glad I had the privilege of knowing Deb. Although I knew her briefly, I knew her as a determined, wonderfully happy and confident woman and I'm certain she made friends and left a warm impression wherever she went, exactly as she did the first time I met her during the ASHA convention in Miami. I saw her last at the convention in Chicago just this past November. She was a delight to work with and a star in her field. She touched so many, and I'm so thankful for having the chance to work with her.

Joe Comeau

Deb was wacky, witty and warm.  She could always make me laugh.  I'm sad to say I never met Deb in person, but we were internet and phone friends before we ever joined Corspan.  Deb was new to the field of accent mod when we met, and we often discussed business problems we encountered,  as well as family, Taro cards, part-time jobs, and any issue that might come up in conversation. 

I am proud to call her 'friend'  She will be sorely missed.

Sharon Heffley

Thank you Deb!

Deb was the President of Corspan before me. Although she was a very tough act to follow she provided such great support that I was never alone. She was there for me whenever I needed her.  Despite the difficult challenges in her life at the time she truly found pleasure in Corspan as she was able to take charge and contribute and make a difference. And she did! Corspan provided me with the opportunity to work together and get to know Deb.  I know that she is finally at peace and will be sure to take care of those in need that are there beside her.

Jayne Latz

Dear friends of Deb,

I only began to know Deb.  We were co-board members at Corspan, the Corporate Speech Pathology Network.  She was president-elect and I was secretary.  We both had things to do; much to learn, and she was always willing to meet to discuss and work on whatever issues we needed to work through. Together.  It was never a problem. I knew that I could always count on her.

I wish I knew her better.  Knew her longer.  But the brief time I spent with her drew me to her.  We roomed, along with my sister-in-law, at the ASHA convention in South Beach.  I look back at this time now as my "bershert"  (meant to be) opportunity to have shared in the life of Deb Kowalczyk.  We went to breakfast, we went to lunch, we spent time in meetings.  She needed her space, too, and she appreciated that I knew that.  She went to the philharmonic by herself one night, and had a lovely time.

This is the second friend in less than two years that I lost to cancer.  The first was my best friend.  I am very sad to have lost another friend, who may not have been as close, but who I would have liked to know better... to know longer.  Deb was a brief, but powerful relationship in my life.  She touched my life.

I am very sad to lose this lovely person.  Thank you Gerry, for letting all of us know...for our last update.

Carole Kornsweig