Obituary of Debbie Koontz

Debra Sue Koontz, age 61, passed away at Tucson Medical Center on August 23, 2015, surrounded by her beloved family. Born on February 23, 1954 in Bethesda, Maryland, Debra was the daughter of the late Harry J. Biondi, Jr. and Patricia Griffith Biondi of Montgomery County, Maryland.

At an early age, Debra moved with her family to St. Mary's County, Maryland. She was a graduate of Great Mills High School in Lexington Park, Maryland, where she finished 3rd in her graduating class. She went on to Lenoir-Rhyne College in Hickory, NC where she majored in Education of the Deaf.

Subject to severe asthma from birth, Debra moved to drier climate of Tucson to stay with an aunt in hopes of improved health. She worked as a special education teacher.

On June 25, 1978, Debra married Douglas J. Koontz, formerly of PA but by then living in Tucson. She is survived by her husband and their five children: Jason, Stephanie, Makenzie, Ryley, and Madalyn. She is also survived by her mother of Ridge, MD; her brother Stephen Biondi of FL; her sister Carole Woodburn (David) of Ridge; her niece Jenna Holmes (Kevin) of Lexington Park, MD; her nephew Cory Woodburn (fiancé Caitlin) of Nashville, TN; and two great nephews (Kellen and Emmet Holmes). She was predeceased by her father of Ridge, MD and her aunt, Alice Griffith, of Tucson.

Debra was an exceptional woman, devoting her life to her family and to helping many others. She was greatly loved and admired by those whose lives she touched.

There will be visitation from 5-8pm at Bring's Broadway Chapel on September 2, 2015, burial with immediate family only on September 3, 2015 at All Faith's cemetery, and a memorial celebration of her life at St. Paul's United Methodist Church on September 3, 2015 starting at 2pm.

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Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. Arrangements are being handled by Bring's Broadway Chapel.