Deborah Saitta Karlovetz

(1951-2016) Loving wife and mother, dedicated teacher.

After a long battle with cancer, Deborah Saitta Karlovetz died on December 19, 2016 in Syracuse, New York at the age of 65. She leaves behind her husband, Bill Karlovetz; her children, Christy Karlovetz Pepper, James Robert and William Tyson; her brother, Robert Saitta; and her grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Ellie, Miles and Addison. She is preceded in death by her parents, and her sister Mary Saitta.

Deborah was born September 12, 1951 in Libertyville, Illinois to father Robert Nixon Saitta and mother Geraldine Cruthird. She grew up in a loving family and as a child was often featured in newspaper advertisements created by her father.

Deborah met her life partner, Bill Karlovetz, at Richardson High School in Texas when they shared the same section in the marching band. She and Bill attended Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas and were married on November 25, 1973. Deborah was a member of the Sigma Kappa sorority.

Deborah taught elementary school for more than 40 years, and made a difference in the lives of generations of students. Her classroom is best remembered for her menagerie of class pets, "Tent Day" excursions and tireless fundraising for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. She retired from the Tyler Independent School District in Tyler, Texas in 2014. In retirement Deborah guided tours and school programs at the Brandywine Museum in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She loved sewing, knitting, painting and travel.

Deborah requested to be cremated. The family would especially like to thank Hospice of Central New York and The Francis House in Syracuse, New York. The Deborah Karlovetz Memorial Fund has been established in her memory at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Those wishing to make contributions can visit http://www.giftfunds.stjude.org/karlovetz