John Bligh
- Retired paraprofessional
- PS 203 Oakland Gardens, Queens
“Mrs. K,” as she was affectionately called by her students, was appreciated for her joy and dedication as a paraprofessional at PS 203 in Queens. For her part, all Deborah Korczynski’s students were “my kids.”
Deborah, who retired in 2010, worked at the Bayside school for 11 of her 12 years as an educator. She died of coronavirus on April 11 at age 64.
“Debbie was a beloved paraprofessional at PS 203 Q for many years,” said her colleague and friend Linda Holcomb, a music teacher. She loved her students and especially enjoyed working with the school’s chorus, Holcomb said. “She always offered a warm smile and a kind word. Debbie has been sorely missed by the school community since her retirement.”
Deborah was a great addition to the school culture, contributing compassion and good will. Students came to see her years after they graduated because “she treated everyone she met with kindness, fairness and warmth,” said her longtime friend Susan Weingart.
“Debbie loved all things Disney, knitting and crocheting,” said Weingart. She crocheted beanie hats for newborns every year and donated them to a local hospital, one of the ways she gave back to the community. She also loved visiting Sanibel Island in Florida and collecting shells on the beach, and she enjoyed making banana bread.
Deborah is survived by her husband, Joe; her son Jason and his wife Meredith; her grandchildren Ainsley and Kaydyn; and her mother, Felice.
Condolences may be sent to:
Jason and Joe Korczynski
27 Lambert Ave., 2nd floor
Farmingdale. NY 11735
It was a pleasure to meet you MS.K I remember when you subbed at my school P.S.133Q for someone else’s class you met my class and I in the lunchroom also remember you liked my headband I was wearing the two days you subbed at my school you taught the students manners its a shame that you didn’t get to know me that well I was transferred from P.S.203Q to P.S.133Q before you started working at P.S.203Q its sad to hear that you died RIP
Debbie and I worked together at International Nursery School. First she was my assistant teacher. Later, she had my daughter in her class. We stayed friends even after neither of us worked there anymore. We’d always meet at Cunningham Park at the symphony and fireworks and catch up. She was a lovely person and she will be missed.
MY COUSIN DEBBY AND I HAVE MANY SIMILARITIES. I FEEL LIKE PART OF ME DIED WITH DEBBY. MY HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY. LOVE SHEILA AND SMITTY
Debbie was loved by all who knew her especially her kids as she called them She was always happy to help out wherever she was needed She loved to participate in all activities that were happening at PS 203 Frequently children would come looking for her after she retired To her beautiful family please accept my sincere and heartfelt sympathy for your lose of this very special lady
Dear Joe, Jason and Family,
Sending my deepest and sincerest condolences. It was an honor and pleasure working with Debbie at PS 203Q. She was a wonderful, kind, caring, and loving person. She will be forever remembered. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family. May she rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Misty C Santo
Debbie always had a smile on her face. She was a wonderful person to work with. My condolences.
Sorry for your loss. My daughter remembers her
Debbie’s heart was filled with kindness and generosity for all that knew and loved her at
PS 203. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time. May her memory be eternal…
Please accept my deepest condolences. Debbie (Ms K) was truly generous in kindness and love to staff and students alike.
Dear Joe and Jason
Debbie was a beautiful , loving, dedicated person. We have remained in contact and stayed friends all these years.
You were her life and brought her so much happiness.
It is a great loss for everyone who knew her as a friend and worked with her as a colleague.
Rest In Peace Debbie.
This is a beautiful tribute to a Beautiful person. She will be missed every time I go around the circle I looked for her to say hi. Always had a smile. My deepest sympathy