Deborah "Debbie" Ann Rotoloni

Deborah "Debbie" Ann Rotoloni, 70, of Schererville, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly on July 22, 2026. Debbie was born on November 4, 1955, at Saint James Hospital in Chicago Heights to Raldo Samuel and Lena Frances (DePalma) Rotoloni. She spent her early years in the community she loved before making her home in Schererville, Indiana, 22 years ago. No matter where she lived, family was always at the heart of her life. To Debbie, family was life's greatest blessing. She was a devoted mother to her daughter, Kaitlin (Jeff) Matusiak, and a proud and loving grandmother to Makenzie and Brayden, who were the center of her world. She cherished every opportunity to watch Makenzie compete in cheer and enthusiastically cheered on Brayden from the sidelines at his baseball games. Their accomplishments brought her endless pride, and she loved nothing more than simply being there for the moments that mattered. Debbie is lovingly survived by her daughter, Kaitlin (Jeff) Matusiak; her beloved grandchildren, Makenzie and Brayden; her sisters, Arlene Hudson and Brenda (Tom) Getzelman; her nieces and nephews, Michael (Kim) Muirhead, Laura (Kevin) Flahaven, Jennifer Getzelman, Kyle (Alyssa) Getzelman, and Katelyn Muirhead, widow of the late James P. Muirhead; her great-nieces and great-nephews, Stephanie (Brad) Sather, Breanna, Caroline and Katherine Flahaven, Jack Getzelman, and Evelyn and Walter Muirhead; along with many cousins, treasured friends, and all whose lives were made brighter by knowing her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Raldo and Lena (DePalma) Rotoloni; her sister, Carolyn Muirhead; brothers-in-law, James Muirhead and David Hudson; and her nephew, James P. Muirhead. Debbie dedicated her career to the steel industry, beginning at Century Steel in Chicago Heights before continuing with North American Steel in Homewood. She later spent many years at Material Sciences Corporation in East Chicago, Indiana, where she built lasting friendships and earned the respect of those who had the pleasure of working alongside her. Outside of work, Debbie found joy in life's simple pleasures. She faithfully followed her favorite reality television shows—especially Big Brother and the Real Housewives franchises—and loved watching women's college volleyball. She enjoyed collecting unique treasures, but those who knew her best understood it was never just about what she found. Debbie loved the hunt itself. She delighted in searching for rare collectibles and took special pride in tracking down the perfect, hard-to-find Christmas gift for family and friends. If someone was looking for something impossible to find, Debbie was the person you called. Her greatest happiness came from the people she loved. There wasn't a day that went by without talking to her daughter, Kaitlin. Whether they were celebrating exciting news or simply catching up on the ordinary moments of the day, those conversations were a constant in both of their lives. Just as treasured was Debbie's afternoon phone call with her sister, Brenda, during her drive home from work. It was a daily tradition filled with laughter, stories, advice, and the comfort that only sisters can share. Debbie had a generous heart and showed her love through thoughtfulness. She loved spoiling her daughter and grandchildren, celebrating every milestone, and making even ordinary days feel special. Whether she was searching for the perfect gift, cheering from the stands at a game or cheer competition, or simply picking up the phone to check in, Debbie had a remarkable way of making the people she loved feel seen, remembered, and deeply cherished. Debbie will be remembered for her generous spirit, quiet strength, unwavering devotion to her family, and her ability to find joy in life's simple pleasures. While her sudden passing leaves an immeasurable void, her love will continue to live on in every family tradition she helped create, every story that brings laughter, every treasured keepsake discovered after a determined search, and in the countless conversations that filled the hearts of those she loved. Memorial Visitation will be held on Tuesday August 4, from 11am - 2pm at the Tews-Ryan Funeral Home 18230 Dixie Highway in Homewood. For additional information contact tews-ryanfh.com or call 708-798-5300.

Daughter's Eulogy

Mom I somehow hope you know just how much I've missed you since you’ve been gone . I hope you're in a beautiful place, with Nana and Grandpa waiting for you at Heaven's gates.

I can't stop thinking about you. I still want to text you or call you. My heart aches for you.

You were my best friend and the strongest woman I have ever known. All by yourself, you got on a plane and traveled across the world for a child. Out of all the children, you chose me in Romania. What an incredible gift that was. You taught me how to speak at age 2 , you took care of me when I was sick when I got here, you healed me! You made me into the woman and mother I am today because of your love, your strength, and your example. I will forever be grateful that I was the one you chose to be your daughter.

I will always wish we had more time—more conversations, more memories, and more moments for you to share with your grandbabies.

Your unconditional love, your strength, and everything you taught me are gifts that my family and I will carry with us for the rest of our lives. Thank you for every lesson, every sacrifice, every word of wisdom, and for continuing to be our guiding light.

I hope you always knew how grateful I was for everything you did for me and for your grandbabies. I hope you knew how safe you made me feel. You were my comfort, my rock, and my home.

I hope that somehow you can still feel my love, because I will carry yours with me forever. I will miss you every single day until we see each other again.

This isn't goodbye. It's simply, "See you later."