Debra Renee Cruz

In Loving Memory of
Debra Renee Cruz 

Beloved daughter, sister, godmother, aunt, niece, cousin, and friend, Debra passed peacefully and unexpectedly into eternity on Thursday, May 7, 2026. By her side at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia were her sister Rose, her godson and nephew Tad, her aunt Anita, and her cousin Sirena. 

She is now reunited in eternal peace with her beloved husband, Harry Jay Katz, and her father, Pedro G. Cruz, Jr.

Debra is lovingly survived by her mother, Donna Jean Cruz; her siblings and their spouses, Scott and Priscilla Cruz, Pedro and Stephanie Cruz, Joaquin and Chrissy Cruz, and Rose Cruz and Stu Bykofsky; and her godson and his spouse, Tad and Dominique McDermott. 

She is also survived by her stepmother, Pilar Cruz; her stepbrother, Todd Gillan, and his wife Lisa; as well as many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Debra was a graduate of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in communications. And communicate she certainly could — always making her thoughts, opinions, likes, and dislikes known with honesty and charm. 

Above all else, Debra cherished her family, who were always closest to her heart and took glowing pride in her Chamorro heritage. She was quick to tell people she met she was from Guam and share her knowledge of its people and all the great things about her home. 

Her signature was her impeccable style. Always perfectly coiffed and elegantly dressed, Debra had a presence that far exceeded her 4-foot-10 stature. She appreciated the finer things in life while remaining warm, approachable, and down-to-earth. Gregarious, outgoing, loving, and caring, she had a gift for making connections and could strike up a conversation with anyone.

Known affectionately as “The $2 Bill Lady,” Debra delighted in handing out the rare bills as tips or tokens of good luck — a small gesture that perfectly reflected her generous spirit and unforgettable personality.

Though thrifty by nature, Debra was endlessly generous with others. She would gladly go out of her way to help someone in need, never expecting anything in return. 

She loved traveling and enjoyed spending time with friends over meals and drinks, even if she often ordered more than she could eat. True to form, her size throughout life remained extra small.

Debra was something of the movie star of the family — a true diva with a warm heart and remarkable culinary talents. She took great pride in her cooking, especially her signature filet mignon and lobster dinners .

An animal lover throughout her life, Debra shared many happy years with her beloved cats and was also a devoted second mom to Chamorro, Rose’s cherished Shih Tzu.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a non-denominational service on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at The Pennsylvania Burial Company, 1327-29 South Broad Street, Philadelphia. Parking is available on the premises. 

A Celebration of Life will begin at 11:30 a.m., and all are welcome to share memories of Debra. Interment will be private. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Debra’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by clicking on the link below.