Debra Kay (Prochko) McGowan

Debra “Debbie” McGowan, 68, of Cincinnati, Ohio, died peacefully Thursday, August 20, 2020 at her home.

She was born Nov. 8, 1951 in Ashtabula, Ohio, the daughter of the late Michael and Frances (Swearman) Prochko, Sr.  Debbie graduated from Jefferson High School and received her degree from Fairmont State College, Fairmont, WV, with a Bachelor of Arts in Education.  She continued her education and received specialized certifications through Kent State University.

Debbie was a dedicated teacher for more than 40 years.  She taught Special Education in Ashtabula until 1997 when she left to live her dream of teaching in the “Big City.”  She moved to Cincinnati, OH in 1998 and began a remarkable career at multiple schools including SCPA, Whittier, St. Joseph and West High.  Even in retirement her love for youth brought her back to teaching in one capacity or another.

Debbie is survived by her beloved son, John (Emily) McGowan.  Dear sister to Timothy J. Prochko and sister-In-law, Kay Prochko, wife of her eldest brother, late Michael “Mick” Prochko Jr.

A proud home owner in Springdale, Ohio she enjoyed her gardening, home projects and decorating.  Debbie loved spending time with her friends and neighbors and spoiling her dogs, Oscar and Precious.  She enjoyed chatting everyone up from gossip, which she called “Poop and Scoop,” to life events and even loved a good debate over politics.

Services were held Friday, 8/28 at Vorhis & Ryan Funeral Home in Cincinnati.  Additional visitation will be held Monday, 8/31 from 10-11AM (masks required) at the Jefferson Home of Fleming & Billman Funeral Directors and Crematory, 49 W. Jefferson St., Jefferson.  Graveside services will follow at 11:15AM in Oakdale Cemetery with the Rev. Douglas Winner of the Jefferson United Methodist Church officiating.  Express condolences, view obituary, light a candle at fleming-billman.com.

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