Deborah "Debbie" Friedman
May 1, 1948 - June 21, 2026

DEBORAH "DEBBIE" FRIEDMAN: Passed away peacefully on June 21, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, surrounded by the love of her family. She was 78 years old.

Born on May 1, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois, Debbie lived a life defined by purpose, service, curiosity, and deep connection to others. She leaves behind a legacy not only in the institutions she helped build, but in the family she nurtured, the friendships she sustained, and the countless lives she touched.

Debbie is survived by her adoring children, Jake Dizard (Kate Taylor), Max Dizard (Brittany Colatrella), and Rachael Dizard (Joel Svensson); her beloved grandchildren, Audrey, Raphael, Joaquin, and Carmelo Dizard, and Isaac, Samuel, and Gabriel Svensson; her brothers, Robert Friedman (Elizabeth) and Daniel Friedman (Denise Pollack); several nephews and a niece; and a host of devoted friends who became family over the course of her life. She was preceded in death by her husband, Nick Toia, and her parents, Ruth and Jerry Friedman.

Debbie grew up in Pittsburgh's Stanton Heights neighborhood. Her intellectual curiosity, social conscience, and independent spirit began developing at a young age and guided her throughout her life. She attended Peabody High School before continuing her education at Grinnell College, Roosevelt University, and the Bowman Gray School of Medicine.

Debbie began her professional career as a physician assistant in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. After returning to Pittsburgh, she found her life's calling at Jewish Residential Services (now The Branch), where she served as Executive Director for more than twenty-five years. Recognizing early on that people with disabilities deserve the dignity of full community participation, she helped establish residential programs and the Howard Levin Clubhouse. Her vision helped advance inclusivity in Pittsburgh, transforming the lives of countless individuals and families.

Debbie believed that a meaningful life was built through active engagement--a philosophy she embodied in everything she did. She raised her three children with unwavering love, constantly teaching by example. And nothing delighted her more than bringing people together.

As a matriarch of a large extended family and an extraordinary hostess, Debbie forged traditions that strengthened family bonds across generations. Her Friday-after-Thanksgiving gathering became a beloved annual tradition for the extended Dizard, Friedman, and Kalson clans. An enthusiastic cook, she expressed her love through food, conversation, and the simple act of making everyone feel welcome. No beach vacation was complete without the paella pan she insisted on packing, ensuring that family and friends would gather around a memorable meal even if far from home

Her resilience was perhaps most evident in her seventeen-year battle with cancer. Diagnosed with lymphoma in 2009 and later with pancreatic cancer, Debbie refused to allow illness to define her life or narrow her world. Despite adversity and intense physical struggle, she remained remarkably vibrant. More than once, doctors entering the room would glance around and ask, "Where's the patient?"

Through those years, Debbie continued to invest herself fully in the people and places she loved--even into her final hours.

Above all, Debbie cherished family. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest joy, along with decades-long friendships that remained a source of strength and happiness throughout her life.

Those who love her will remember Debbie's radiant smile, distinctive eyeglasses, beautiful laugh, as well as her quiet yet constant humming and, of course, her sporadic eruptions into song.

Debbie's legacy is now carried forward by the generations of people who are better for having known her, along with a community shaped by her leadership. Her example of a life well lived continues to inspire many.

Services at Congregation Dor Hadash (Beit Kulanu building -- Levy Hall), 4905 Fifth Avenue (at Morewood) Friday, June 26 at 11 AM. No Prior Visitation. Interment Podolier Cemetery. Shiva will be held at Debbie's home this Friday, June 26, and Sunday, June 28, from 4-7, and on Monday, June 19, from 5-7. Minyanim will be at 5:30.

In lieu of flowers, donations to The Branch made in Debbie's honor are graciously welcomed. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. www.schugar.com

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