Deborah Winghart

Deborah Winghart, 73, of Fairview, passed away Saturday, August 2nd, 2025, at her residence surrounded by family.

She was born on December 23, 1951, in Erie, a daughter of the late Paul and Mary Jane Turos Wiest.

Debbie graduated from Strong Vincent High School, class of 1969, and went on to earn a bachelor’s in education at Edinboro State College. She spent many years shaping the lives of children in the Erie community, most notably as a teacher in the Catholic schools. She was proud to have started the preschool program at OLCS where she inspired and nurtured countless young minds. Debbie’s passion for teaching and her ability to connect with children made a lasting impression on everyone she encountered.

Debbie also served as a religious education instructor at Holy Cross in Fairview for 12 years, sharing her love of faith and her wisdom with generations of students. Her influence reached far beyond the classroom, touching the hearts of many, and she is remembered for her kindness, dedication and humor.

Debbie also had a creative flair and an eye for beauty, which she expressed through her work as a talented florist. She worked for several florists in the Erie over the years including John Brown Flower Shop, Flowers and Gifts by Robert and Allburn Florist.

After retiring, Debbie enjoyed gardening, drawing, painting, and spending time at the beach and by her goldfish pond. She was a creative soul, an excellent cook, and always saw the good in everybody. She will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her, especially the many children whose lives she touched along the way.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by a sister, Diane Wiest.

Debbie is survived by her husband of 46 years, Raymond Winghart; son, Geoffrey Winghart (Cameron Knight); sister, Patricia Holman (Brian), of Erie; brothers, Paul Wiest (Becky Jo), of Holly Ridge, NC and David Wiest (Betsy), of Erie; brother-in-law, Dennis Winghart (Mary), sister-in-law, Marilyn Klein (Frank) both of Pittsburgh. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Friends may call on the family at Burton Quinn-Scott Cremation and Funeral Services, Inc., West Ridge, 3801 W. 26th St., Erie on Tuesday, August 5th from 3 until 7 pm. And are invited to attend a Funeral Mass at Sacred Heart Church, 816 W. 26th St., Erie, PA 16508 on Wednesday at 11 am. Burial will follow in Laurel Hill Cemetery.