Debra Byrwa

Debra Marie Byrwa, 68, formerly of Scottdale, died on December 23, 2019, at her home in Arlington, VA after battling chronic illness. She was born September 3, 1951, a daughter of the late Frank C. and Mildred (Broush) Byrwa.
Deb was a 1969 graduate of Southmoreland High School, where she excelled at math and German. Drawn to the emerging field of computer technology, she furthered her knowledge at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana State and Adelphi University. Deb combined concern for the disabled and knowledge of assistive technology to advocate as citizen-advisor to Arlington County's Chamber of Commerce and Washington DC's Metropolitan Transit Authority for accessibility improvements.
A Member of Arlington's Disability Roundtable, Deb's recommendations improved public transportation and parks accessibility for Arlington's disabled population. Besides lifelong advocacy for those with disabilities, Debra will be remembered for her quick wit and sense of adventure. Cousin Judy fondly recalls their travels together to Machu Picchu and the Amazon rainforest. Cousin Donna welcomed Deb's insights and humor on their NYC explorations. Sister Jan treasures memories touring Amish country and quilting festivals with Deb, and her joining family vacations to the Jersey shore and Washington DC. Deb is survived by two sisters, Faith Byrwa and Jan (Taylor) Blice, both of Pittsburgh; and three brothers, Franklin of Uniontown, PA, James of Cincinnati, OH and William of Lake Orion, MI. She is also survived by: two nieces, Sasha Hnat of Pittsburgh, and Lauren (Shane) Burroughs of Chicago; five nephews, Jonathan Hnat of Carnegie, PA; Ryan Byrwa of Mason, OH; Joshua Byrwa of NYC; Erik Byrwa and Jared Byrwa of Cincinnati; a grandniece and several grandnephews. She was predeceased by grandniece Ella Byrwa and nephew Kyle Byrwa, both of Cincinnati. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 to 7pm on Tues. Jan. 7 at SALOOM-REGA FUNERAL SERVICE 730 W. Main Street Mt. Pleasant. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery on Wed., Jan. 8 at 10:30 am, followed by a service at Noon with Rev. Robert Ellson officiating, a funeral luncheon at a place to be announced. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the National Down Syndrome Society or a charity of choice. Please visit Debra's online memorial at www.saloom-rega.com to sign the condolence guestbook. Richard Rega, funeral director.