Debbie S. Stefaniak

In Loving Memory of Debbie Stefaniak (Saganski)
March 11, 1963 – October 8, 2025
With broken hearts and endless love, we celebrate the life of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, Debbie Stefaniak (Saganski), who passed away peacefully at the age of 62, surrounded by her family who loved her beyond measure.
She is survived by her devoted husband and love of over 40 years, Terry - or as she loved to loudly remind everyone, "Terry Ala Joseph". They shared a shared a lifetime of love, joy and countless memories and built a beautiful family, raising two daughters, Kayla and Kim (Todd), who then gave her her greatest blessings - her grandchildren: Olivia, Chase, Carter and Cameron.
Her favorite role was being their Nama, and, while their time was short, they filled her life with endless light and happiness. The love she poured into them - and into everyone she cared for - is enough to fill a lifetime. Her family will forever carry her kindness, humor and strength within them.
Debbie devoted 21 joyful years to the Muskego Norway School District, where she truly found her calling - spending every day with "her kids." She was nothing short of legendary: students would return years later just to find her, give her a hub, or yell across the grocery store, "MRS. STEFANIAK!"
It was impossible to go anywhere without someone recognizing her warmth and infectious energy. Along the way, she also met some of her very best friends - colleagues who became like family, sharing in the smiles, the chaos and all the little joys of school life. While retirement broke her heart, she was forever grateful for the memories, the happiness and the lasting bonds she formed with generations of students and lifelong friends alike.
She is also survived by her cherished aunt Beverly Paris, cousins: Chrissy (Steve), Carry (Jeff) and Chad, in-laws: Lenny/Lana, Mike/Debbie, Jim/Luann, Mark and Lisa/Ted, adored nieces and nephews, and many others who were part of her extended circle of love.
Debbie was welcomed into Heaven with a lot of love by her mother Donna, grandmother Lucille, uncle Mike, and her in-laws Terri, Mary and Leonard - along with all her fur babies who were surely waiting at the Rainbow Bridge for more cuddles.
Those who knew Debbie will remember her as someone who loved with her whole heart – a love that stayed strong right up until her final moments. Her laughter was contagious, her spirit unshakable, and her presence made every gathering brighter.
She was louder than life - both in personality and (quite literally) in volume - filling every room she entered with her energy, humor and unmistakable voice. You never had to wonder if Debbie was there – you just knew.
She found joy in life's simple moments - spending time with family and friends, sharing stories and laughter, and taking road trips to her favorite places, especially St. Germain ("God's Country").
One of her final blessings was taking one last trip to see the fall colors there with her best friend and love of her life, Terry. It was a peaceful and meaningful time together - a chance to soak in the beauty of the world they loved exploring side by side.
In her final days, she was surrounded by her family, comforting them with the same love and grace she had given all her life, showing immense strength and courage through it all.
Her time with us was far too short, and her absence leaves an unimaginable void - but her love, laughter and light will live on in everyone she touched.
Even now, she continues to remind us she's still with us - sending signs from above to let us know she's watching over and loving us from Heaven.
A private celebration of life will be held with her family, just as she wished - filled with smiles, laughter and stories that honor her joyful spirit. She always said she didn't want sadness when the day came, only love and laughter - and that is exactly how she will be remembered.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Shriners Children's or Toys for Tots, two charities she and Terry supported for years to help improve the lives of children – a reflection of her generous and caring heart.
"When you see a sign and think of me,
know it's my way of saying - I'm still here,
watching over you, with love from Heaven."