Debra Kruzel-Palkovic 1951-2025
BOARDMAN — Debra Kruzel-Palkovic, 74, of Euclid Boulevard, passed away unexpectedly Monday, June 23, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, with her family at her side.
Debbie was born March 9, 1951, in Youngstown, a daughter of the late William and Patricia Dunn Bodnar, and was a lifelong area resident.
She was a 1969 graduate of Austintown Fitch High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Youngstown State University. Debbie later pursued her master’s degree in the art of teaching at Marygrove College.
Her career was devoted to shaping young minds as an elementary and junior high teacher at St. Christine School, where she taught for many years before retiring in 2018.
Debbie loved spending time with her family and socializing with her friends. She was active in a book club and bocce league, and looked forward to summer days in the sun at the local swim club. She enjoyed traveling with her loved ones and cherished her annual trips to Florida to visit her stepson and his family. Debbie brought joy to every occasion, but her greatest happiness came from time spent with her granddaughter, Sienna.
Left to forever cherish her memory are her daughter, Cindy (Mike) O’Keefe; her beloved granddaughter, Sienna O’Keefe; her stepson, Brian (Michelle) Palkovic, and grandchildren, Jackson, Hudson and Mason; her stepdaughter, Karen (Steve) Smith, and granddaughter, Maddie; and grandchildren, Dan and Rocky. She also leaves her nephews and niece, Sean Bodnar, Anthony Bodnar, Nicholas Bodnar and Lyndsay Sunderlin; along with several great-nieces and great-nephews whom she loved dearly.
Debbie was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Palkovic; two brothers, infant David Bodnar and William Bodnar; her sister, Loraine Bodnar; and her stepdaughter, Amy Luscre.
Family and friends may call 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, June 30, 2025, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown.
Funeral services will begin 10:15 a.m. Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at the funeral home, and will continue with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick Church, 1420 Oak Hill Ave., Youngstown.
Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, where Debbie will be laid to rest next to her loving husband.
In lieu of flowers, Debbie’s family suggests you hold and cherish the one you love — and take them for an extra spin on the dance floor.
Visit kinnickfuneralhome.com to share this obituary and to send condolences to Debbie’s family.
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