HACKWELDER

DEBBIE (DEMPSEY)

Age 69, of White Oak, on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Loving wife of 52 years to Bill Hackwelder; mother of Julie (Jim) Carson and James (Sara) Hackwelder; grandmother of Jacob Carson and Collin Hackwelder; sister of Jackie (David Wallace) Dempsey; sister-in-law of Joey (John) Mason.

Debbie and her Bill met as teenagers. He was a drummer. She was a majorette. Together, they marched in the band and into each other's hearts. Their shared love of music took them on the road, traveling with Bill's rock band in the '70s and later as fans of Drum Corps International competitions. Eventually, they settled down in their hometown of Plum Borough, where they raised their family and later watched it grow as each of their kids gave them the precious gift of a grandchild.

Deb was devoted, above all else, to her family. Her dream in life was to be a wife and mother, and she poured everything she had into that most demanding and meaningful role. She was always caring for others, from acting as a second mother to her baby sister to caring for her grandson before and after school to lovingly supporting her parents as they reached the end of their lives.

Deb was a crafter before it was cool. Her family still hangs ceramic ornaments on their Christmas trees that she made more than 40 years ago. She made holidays magical, creating festive games and designing handmade calendars to help everyone count down the days until Christmas.

Ask anyone who knew her, and they would say she was loving and gentle, but also sassy and strong-willed. She fought for herself and for the people she loved. If you were lucky enough to be in her circle, you knew you would be okay because Deb would be there for you, no matter what. And the love she gave us freely will remain with those who knew her always. Visitation will be held Wednesday, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., at SOXMAN FUNERAL HOMES, LTD., 7450 Saltsburg Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15235, where a Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 2835 E Carson St., Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15203.