Debra Lynn Panocha

Debra "Debbie" Panocha, 73, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on October 7, 1952, in Harvey, Illinois, to John and Pauline Radanovich.

Debbie grew up in Harvey alongside her younger brother, David. As a girl she loved dance lessons, riding horses, and spending time with friends listening to music. She and her friends were especially devoted fans of The Beatles, a love of music that stayed with her throughout her life. Debbie graduated from Thornton Township High School.

Debbie married her first husband, Rick Morales, and together they welcomed their son, Matthew. Although their marriage later ended, they remained friends. Debbie later married her second husband, Edward Panocha, and lovingly welcomed her stepdaughter, Beth, into her life. When Edward was diagnosed with ALS, Debbie cared for him devotedly through the end of his life. She also lovingly cared for her father, John, in his final years.

Debbie embraced life with energy and joy. She loved traveling, visiting the local gambling boats, and taking shopping trips into Chicago with her close friends. Music was always part of her life—she loved to sing and dance whenever she could. Debbie and her friends even formed a lip-sync group called the "Spoon Sisters," performing at weddings and celebrations for friends and family.

Family was always Debbie's greatest priority. She was a dedicated and supportive mother, attending Matthew's sporting events and theater performances while he was growing up. When he attended St. Anne School, Debbie was active with other parents, helping with concessions and school events. Years later, when Matthew became a teacher and speech coach at Thornwood High School, Debbie opened her home to the speech team for practices, something she took great pride in hosting.

Debbie loved bringing people together. Her home was the gathering place for birthdays, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and countless family celebrations. She adored her daughter-in-law, Avvy, and nothing brought her more happiness than spending time with her grandson, Ethan.

In the final years of her life, Debbie was diagnosed with dementia. She spent those years in Cleveland, Mississippi, where Matthew and his family were able to visit her every day. Debbie passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026, with her son Matthew, her daughter-in-law Avvy, and her brother David by her side.

Debbie is survived by her mother, Pauline Biedzycki; her brother David Radanovich and his wife, Lynne Radanovich; her son Matthew Morales, his wife Avvy Capapas, and their son Ethan Morales; her nephew Joe Radanovich, his wife Jasynda Radanovich, and their daughter Cameron Radanovich; and her stepdaughter, Beth Jeske.

She will be remembered for her warmth, her generosity, her love of music and laughter, and the way she opened her home and heart to everyone around her.

A memorial service will be held at the Tews-Ryan Funeral Home Monday, March 9, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service beginning at 12:00 p.m. Interment will be held immediately following at 1:30 p.m. at Abraham Lincloln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL.