Debra A. Flihan

Debra A. Flihan, age 63, of New Hartford, passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, with the love and support of her sister, Sheila, and brother, Joe, by her side.

Debbie was born in Utica, NY, on April 20, 1961, daughter of the late Joseph and Judith Manion Flihan. A 1979 graduate of Notre Dame School, she went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Special Education from Nazareth University in Rochester and a Master of Science Degree in Reading from the State University of New York at Cortland.

Debbie loved books, travel, antiques and history. She also enjoyed working as a special education teacher. In 1983, Debbie began her career at Hugh R. Jones Elementary School in the Utica City School District. She later joined the Rome City School District as a member of the Ridge Mills Elementary School faculty. Debbie retired from teaching in 2018. Over the span of her 35 year career as a special educator, Debbie helped countless children reach their fullest potential as students and as people.

Debbie is survived by her brother, N. Joseph Flihan; sister, Sheila Flihan, both of New Hartford; as well as several cousins and friends.

She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Judith; and her partner, of more than twenty years, Mark McLane, Esq.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial on Monday January 20, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. from Mary, Mother of Our Savior Church (Our Lady of Lourdes Campus). There are no calling hours. All in attendance can express their condolences to the family after the Mass. Private entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are with The Scala, Roefaro & Karboski Funeral Home Inc., 1122 Culver Ave., Utica; David Roefaro and Steven Karboski, Directors. Online sympathy www.scalaroefaro.com.

"The years go fast…There is much joy and beauty awaiting in undreamed ecstasies. Do not wait too long, do not delay too much... It is the only way worth living." Emma Goldman