Deb Kovalycsik

Deborah Ann Kovalycsik "Deb", 59, passed away January 10, 2017, at CarePartners Hospice Solace Center in Asheville, NC, after a short but hard fought battle with cancer. Deb was born June 12, 1957, in Garfield, NJ. She was the seventh child of Maria and George Kovalycsik. She joined the U.S. Army immediately after high school and moved to North Carolina. After military service, she began working while completing her college education at Gardner Webb University. She and her wife, Kristi, were married on October 13, 2014, but had been together for 30 amazing and happy years. They met in Shelby, NC, and moved to New Bern, NC. Both she and Kristi worked for Neuse Center where Deb was the Residential Director and a resident for 7 years. They moved to Morganton, NC, after Deb was hired as the Lead Investigator for the Division of Mental Health Accountability Team until she retired. After retirement, Deb served as the Chairperson for the following Human Rights Councils: J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center, Black Mountain Center and Carolina Residential. Deb and Kristi resided in Morganton for over 20 years. In July of 2016, they moved to Asheville, NC. Deb is survived by her wife Kristi Kiger. She was the Mom to 2 canine children, Savannah, Yorkie, age 13 and Yuki, mixed Chinese Crested rescue, age 1. She was predeceased by many other fur babies, too numerous to name, but forever loved and never ever forgotten. Deb was predeceased by her parents and her sister, Diane Byrnes. She is also survived by her sisters and brothers; Nicholas Kovalycsik, JoAnn Heyden, Jess Kovalycsik and Susan Ali, all of New Jersey, and Gail Mastroberte, of Pennsylvania. Additionally, she is survived by numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. Deb adored her family beyond measure, from the oldest to the youngest. The spouses of her brothers and sisters also held a huge place in her heart. Services will be held on Saturday, January 14th at Groce Funeral Home at 1401 Patton Avenue in Asheville, NC. Receiving of friends will begin at 4:00 p.m. followed by a service at 5:00 p.m. Honorary Pallbearers will be: George Ali, Doug Gallion, Nicholas Kovalycsik, Tony Poole, Daniel Schoonhen and Martin Whitaker. In lieu of flowers and since Deb was a huge advocate for animal rights, please send memorials to Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, 31 Glendale Ave., Asheville, NC 28803. Memorials may also be made to CarePartners Hospice Solace Center, P.O Box 25338 Asheville, NC 28813. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the phenomenal staff at the Hospice Center, as well as the staff at The Mission Cancer Center, CarePartners Home Health and the Asheville VA. Buddhist Prayer: Beyond the shore and the farther shore Beyond the beyond where there is no beginning and no end Without fear Go