Debra "Debbie" A. Marchiafava

Debra (Debbie) Ann Marchiafava, affectionately known to many as the famous “Ms. M,” age 66, of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Aurora Medical Center in Burlington, Wisconsin.

Debbie was born on December 1, 1959, in Janesville, Wisconsin, to the late Joseph “One Arm Joe” and Carol Marchiafava. She graduated from Whitewater High School in 1978.

Debbie and her siblings grew up in Whitewater, Wisconsin. They frequently spent weekends in nearby Janesville with their cousins at the home of Aunt Carmela and Uncle Jerry. Growing up, Debbie and her siblings always looked forward to eating at Gus’s Pizza and going to the movie theater on Friday nights. Sundays were reserved for family, as Debbie and her entire family gathered at Aunt Carmela and Uncle Jerry’s home for dinner, and time spent with their cousins.

Debbie cherished spending time with her family and friends, but the bond she shared with her brother, Paul Marchiafava, was something special. Born just one year apart and sharing the same birthday, Debbie and Paul were practically joined at the hip from the day he was born. Their connection was truly one of a kind. If you knew Debbie, you knew Paul, and if you knew Paul, you knew Debbie. They shared a lifelong closeness that was a special part of who they were.

Debbie had one of the biggest hearts and a genuine passion for helping others. She had many hidden talents and used them to make a difference in the lives of those around her. Her talents included crafting, cooking, tutoring young children in their studies, including translating for Spanish-speaking children. She was also a devoted advocate for victims of domestic abuse.

Debbie worked at various places after high school up until she lost her leg in 1990, where she learned to navigate life using one left & an electric scooter.

Debbie continued her education by taking courses at Blackhawk Technical College in Janesville, Wisconsin, and the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater in Whitewater, Wisconsin.

During the 1990s, Debbie volunteered for several years as a Crisis Line Advocate with People Against Domestic Abuse of Jefferson County, Wisconsin. She provided victims with a compassionate, understanding, and supportive presence during some of the most frightening and difficult moments of their lives.

Debbie, affectionately known as the famous “Ms. M,” worked for the Fort Atkinson School District at Purdy Elementary as a paraprofessional from September 1999 until August 2021. She devoted herself to helping each child grow and reach their full potential.

For more than 10 years in the 90’s Debbie lived in an elderly and handicapped apartment complex, where she became a source of kindness and fellowship for many of her neighbors. Every Thanksgiving and Easter, Debbie prepared a full-course meal and welcomed tenants who might otherwise have had nowhere to go. She opened her home and her heart, making sure others could enjoy a warm meal, companionship, and a sense of belonging.

Debbie also had a tremendous love for animals. She adored her beloved dog, Ebony, and the many cats she cared for throughout her lifetime. Her heart was especially tender toward stray cats, whom she could never turn away. Her compassion for these animals reflected the caring spirit that was such a meaningful part of her life.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Debbie is survived by her sisters, Vickie (Barry Buckelew) and Sherry Stelse; brother Paul Marchiafava; brother-in-law Gary Stelse; and sister-in-law Sue Bakko Marchiafava. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, Justin (Jelsey) Buckelew, Megan (Scott) Lyght, Marty (Tim) Eichenberg, and Michaela (Colin) Salzmann; great-nieces and nephews Harley, Laykin, and Heaven Buckelew, Charlie and Isla Eichenberg, and Rory and Callie Lyght; Aunt Carmela Gardner; Cousin Jon Gardner; Dannie & Timmy O’Grady and many great cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister Diane Marchiafava; brother Steve Marchiafava; nephew Joey Buckelew; Uncle Jerry Gardner; and cousins Maryk and Matt Gardner, Lucia Mauerman, Lela Gardner, & Dale O’Grady.

A private burial will be held at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Janesville, WI at a later date, where Debbie will be laid to rest beside her mom & dad.

Nitardy Funeral Home — Proudly serving the family.