Debra (Wilson) Schuyler

Debra (Wilson) Schuyler, age 83, a resident of Asbury Springhill Senior Living Center, passed away at UPMC Hamot on Thursday, March 28, 2024.
 
Deb was a native of Erie, grew up in Millcreek, and graduated from McDowell High School in 1958. After high school, she moved to Boston, MA. Her high school sweetheart, Steve Schuyler, soon followed. In a short period of time, they were engaged, and soon after began their loving marriage in 1961. During the early years of the Vietnam war, they jointly decided Steve should enlist for a three-year tour in the U.S. Army. Steve served as an optician at several posts, including Korea, and Deb stayed at an Army base in Japan to be nearby. Afterwards, they returned to Erie where Steve graduated with a B.S. in Finance and was hired by IBM. Deb accompanied Steve through many moves, including Apalachin, NY; Ridgefield, CT; Boca Raton, FL; and finally, to Gaithersburg, MD. They resided there for 30 years before returning to their hometown of Erie, PA to spend their remaining years with family and friends.

Deb was a caring, loving, wife and mother to Steve and their two sons throughout their marriage of 63 years. She was a voracious reader, a creative artist who enjoyed painting sweatshirts, a lover of plants and flowers which always decorated their homes, and Words-With-Friends on her iPad. Deb also loved playing Bridge, but their great mutual love was sailing. They owned a succession of cruising sailboats on the Long Island Sound, Florida Keys, Chesapeake Bay, and especially the islands and ports of the coast of Maine.

Deb was predeceased by her parents, Edward J. and Violet (Waha) Wilson, her sister Audry (Wilson) Fraser, her brother Edward J. Wilson Jr., her son Matthew Edward Schuyler (1969-1987, due to an automobile accident in Florida), her niece Mary (Fraser) Priest, and her brother-in-law Thomas Cortlandt Schuyler. 

Deb is survived by her husband Stephen M. Schuyler, son Mark S. Schuyler and his life partner Ines Polonius, brothers-in-law Robert Raymond Schuyler (Brenda), Stanley TenEyck Schuyler (Karen), Dale Stuhlmiller, and sisters-in-law Ann (Schuyler) Onderko, and Mandy (Day) Schuyler. She is also survived by 3 nieces and 9 nephews.

The family expresses their special thanks to the Doctors and staff of UPMC Hamot Hospital who helped support and care for Deb in her final journey. 

Friends and acquaintances are invited to call at the Burton Quinn Scott Cremation and Funeral Services, West Ridge, 3801 W.26th St. on Monday, April 15, 2024 from 3:00 pm until 5:30 pm at which time a Memorial Service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Lung Association, 55 W. Wacker Dr. Suite 1150, Chicago, IL 60601 or to a Charity of one’s choice.