Obituary of Debra Meszaros
Debra G. Meszaros
Debra G. Meszaros, age 65, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with CNS Lymphoma on Monday, May 2, 2022 at Lightways Hospice Home in Joliet with her family by her side. Deb was born January 14, 1957 in Joliet to the late Francis “Pat” and Catherine “Kay” O’Brien. Deb, along with her husband Bob, lived and raised her family in Shorewood before moving to Naperville after retirement. Deb married her high school sweetheart, Robert J. Meszaros, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Joliet, and the two went on to share over 45 years of marriage.
She was a graduate of St. Francis Academy and went on to receive her Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of St. Francis, and her Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from National Louis University. Deb worked for Troy School District 30C where she taught 1st Grade for over 25 years before retiring in 2014. She developed many close friendships over the years with her fellow teachers and staff members, and considered them a second family. Deb loved all her students, and touched countless lives during her time there.
Deb loved reading, music, movies, and dogs. She enjoyed traveling with her husband and family. Deb took an interest in every person that she met, and always found a way to make them feel special. She made a point to never hold back with a compliment, and as a result, she brightened the day of everyone she crossed paths with. She was really funny and could always pull out a favorite movie quote or a song lyric to fit the situation.
Deb’s family was everything to her. She is survived by her loving husband, Robert J. Meszaros; her children, daughter Heather (Juan) Aleman, and son Craig Meszaros; her beloved grandchildren, to whom she was affectionately known as “Nana,” Logan, Connor, and Grant Aleman; her twin sister, Denise (Jack) Payton; numerous nieces, nephews, and brothers and sisters-in-law; many dear friends and co-workers; and hundreds of former students. She is preceded in death by her parents; and brother, David O’Brien.
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to the staff of Rush University Cancer Center and Lightways Hospice for their dedicated care during this difficult time. Deb showed tremendous strength and resilience in battling her illness, never complaining, just thanking God for the many blessings she had been given.
Friends and relatives are invited to join in a celebration of Deb’s life to be held on Saturday, May 14, 2022 from 11:30 a.m. until time of services at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Deb’s name can be made to Rush University Cancer Center or Lightways Hospice. For more information, please call 815-741-5500, or to leave an online condolence, visit her Memorial Tribute page at www.fredcdames.com
