Deborah A. McCanna

Deborah A. McCanna, 68, of East Brady died suddenly, Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at her home.

Born at home, in East Brady on October 18, 1952, Debbie was the daughter of Alfred P. and Anna M. (Bowser) McCanna.

Debbie was a 1970 Graduate of East Brady High School.  She earned her master’s degree in Biology from Clarion University before beginning a career at the Social Security Administration.  Debbie served as a Claim’s Representative until her retirement. 

Debbie played an essential role in the daily inner workings of the 1st Presbyterian Church in East Brady as their church secretary.  She organized mission trips, served at the Clerk of Session, helped with Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, organized the annual Christmas Drive and served as Moderator for the Presby Women both at a local and regional level.    

Civic and community minded, Debbie seemed to find a leadership role in all her involvements.  She was a founding and essential member of the Bradys Bend Historical Society where she has served as President several terms.  Debbie was a member of the Hoffman Medical Center Board of Directors (now Primary Health Network), participated in Wreaths Across America, was an annual kettle bell ringer for the Salvation Army and was a member of the Seneca Rocks Audubon Society where she enjoyed participating in the annual Christmas Bird Count.  As an avid gardener, Debbie also provided a natural habitat sanctuary at her home.  

Though never having children of her own, Debbie’s passion for youth and education was demonstrated through her grant writing abilities and involvement with Karns City Communities that Care.  She deeply cared for the children of her friends.

Debbie was a talented seamstress who provided masks to anyone in need.  She enjoyed quilting and spearheaded local quilt shows for the Bradys Bend Historical Society. 

Friends could always be comforted by her seasonal meals, parties and her cake baking talents.  She was fiercely competitive on the Trivia team “Are You Sure?” and enjoyed traveling with friends. 

Debbie also enjoyed antique auctions, trips to Widnoon Soft Serve for the flavor of the week-as long as it wasn’t Peanut Butter, shopping for perfectly coordinated outfits, supporting local theater, coordinating class reunions, card playing, and loving her cats. 

“Well done, my good and faithful servant” Matthew 25:21.

Debbie is survived by one sister, Janice and husband Michael Hamburg of East Brady. One niece, Gretchen Hamburg (Jimmy Simpson) of Hilliards.  One great nephew, Austin Simpson and one great niece, Arika Simpson. 

She is also survived by a large extended family and many close friends. 

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents.   

Friends of Deborah A. McCanna will be received from 2:00-4:00, 6:00-8:00PM Friday, September 17, 2021 at Buechele Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc. 707 Kellys Way, East Brady, PA 16028.

Additional visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 AM at the 1st Presbyterian Church with Funeral Services being held at 11:00 AM Saturday, September 18, 2021 with Rev. Ray Eichler officiating.

Burial in Bradys Bend Cemetery will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Debbie’s name to the Bradys Bend Historical Society, PO Box 451, East Brady, PA 16028 or the 1st Presbyterian Church, PO Box 365, East Brady, PA 16028.

To view or express condolences, please visit www.BuecheleFuneralHome.com

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