Debra Kay DeWitt

Debra Kay DeWitt passed away peacefully on January 26, 2025, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with her devoted husband, Lane, by her side.

Born on November 21, 1961, at Saint Joseph Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas, Debra's life was deeply rooted in faith. She was baptized on November 28 of that year at All Saints Church in Fort Worth and received the Sacrament of Confirmation on March 3, 1974. Her spiritual journey remained a guiding light throughout her life. Later in life, she embraced new opportunities by learning Hebrew, converting to Judaism, and studying the Torah.

Debra excelled academically and actively participated in school activities. She began her education at Denver Avenue School in Fort Worth, where she maintained an "A Average," served as a librarian, and sang in the chorus. At JP Elder Middle School, she continued to thrive as an A Honor Roll student before attending North Side High School. There, she lettered in Band for two years, Orchestra for one year, and Tennis for two years. Among her achievements was earning a Certificate of Award for placing third in the District Tennis Tournament. She graduated from North Side High School on June 3, 1980.

She pursued business and marketing studies at the University of Texas at Arlington while building a distinguished career with the U.S. Postal Service. Over 18 years, she advanced to the role of Quality Control Manager. It was during this time that she met Lane DeWitt, whom she married on June 16, 1995. Several years later, Debra retired from the Postal Service, and they moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico.

In Santa Fe, Debra found fulfillment in many ways. She worked alongside Dr. Lee Levin and Dr. Butch Schrader to help treat autistic children and was passionate about rescuing dogs and cats. Her home was always open to visits from loved ones, and she shared a special bond with her godson Lane Ingram and his wife Chloe Ingram, as well as Mark Alcala and Lizbeth Acosta-whose visits were much anticipated at the DeWitt home in Santa Fe.

Debra was preceded in death by her parents, Albert Alcala and Carmen Saldana Alcala. She is survived by her husband Lane DeWitt; brother Daniel Alcala and his wife Nancy; sister Susan Ingram and her husband Tom; nephews and nieces Lane Ingram and his wife Chloe Ingram; Mark Alcala and Lizbeth Acosta; Eric Gonzales; Elaine Gonzales; Nathan Gonzales; Chris Gasca; Michelle Gasca; Maya Gasca; Amelia Gasa; Jim and Stephanie Churilla; Mason and Lorelle DeWitt; Zane and Veronica Wimm along with many other family members and friends.

Services will be private for family in Fort Worth, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New Mexico School for the Deaf (1060 Cerrillos Rd., Santa Fe, NM 87505; phone: 505-476-6300), ATTN: Debra Alcala DeWitt Arts Dept.

Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her. May her legacy of faith and dedication bring comfort to those who mourn her passing and inspire those who carry her memory forward.