Deborah Korczynski

* Paraprofessional
* PS 203 Oakland Gardens, Queens

“Mrs. K,” as she was affectionately called by her students, was appreciated for her joy and dedication as a paraprofessional at PS 203 in Queens. For her part, all Deborah Korczynski’s students were “my kids.”

Deborah, who retired in 2010, worked at the Bayside school for 11 of her 12 years as an educator. She died on April 11 at age 64.

“Debbie was a beloved paraprofessional at PS 203 Q for many years,” said her colleague and friend Linda Holcomb, a music teacher. She loved her students and especially enjoyed working with the school’s chorus, Holcomb said. “She always offered a warm smile and a kind word. Debbie has been sorely missed by the school community since her retirement.”

Deborah was a great addition to the school culture, contributing compassion and good will. Students came to see her years after they graduated because “she treated everyone she met with kindness, fairness and warmth,” said her longtime friend Susan Weingart.

“Debbie loved all things Disney, knitting and crocheting,” said Weingart. She crocheted beanie hats for newborns every year and donated them to a local hospital, one of the ways she gave back to the community. She also loved visiting Sanibel Island in Florida and collecting shells on the beach, and she enjoyed making banana bread.

Deborah is survived by her husband, Joe; her son Jason and his wife Meredith; her grandchildren Ainsley and Kaydyn; and her mother, Felice.

Condolences may be sent to:

Jason and Joe Korczynski
27 Lambert Ave., 2nd floor
Farmingdale. NY 11735