Deborah Lynn (Kowalczyk) Althoff passed peacefully at home on December 3, 2019 after a 3.5 year battle with leukemia. She was born on November 5, 1977 in Rahway, NJ.
Deb is survived by her husband, David Althoff; her daughters, Nora and Ella Althoff; her mother and father, Sharon and Thomas Kowalczyk; her siblings, Daniel Kowalczyk and Amy Kowalczyk; her sister-in-law, Shannon Kowalczyk; her niece, Ofelia Kowalczyk; and her grandmother, Helen Frankowski.
Deb was a beautiful soul; an amazing wife, mother, friend; and a true warrior. She and her husband met in college (Bucknell University) in 1997 and were married in 2001. She was constantly seeking knowledge and earned a BS in Chemical Engineering at Bucknell University, a MS in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Maryland, an MBA in Finance at the George Washington University, and a Professional Engineer (PE) certification. She was passionate about giving back to her community through volunteer work for a local women’s shelter, as a Girl Scout troop leader, and as a Odyssey of the Mind coach and coordinator. Deb loved to travel the world and go on adventures with her family and friends. She loved her husband and daughters more than anything, and she will be missed by everyone who ever had the pleasure of meeting her.
A celebration of Deb’s life will be held at Calvary United Methodist Church, 2315 S. Grant St., Arlington, VA 22202 on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 2:00 pm. A reception will follow in the church reception hall.
In lieu of flowers, please consider joining (to be a potential stem cell donor) or contributing to Be The Match (https://www.bethematch.org).
Offer Condolence for the family of Deborah Lynn Kowalczyk Althoff
2315 S. Grant Street, Arlington, VA 22202
12/14/2019
2:00pm -
We just heard this terrible news! Our family didn’t know Deb well- we crossed paths every summer when our daughters were besties at Girl Scout summer camp. Even in that small window, we were struck with how funny, brilliant and brave Deb was. And she was just so obviously smitten with her kids it. It makes our hearts ache to imagine what your family must be going through. We’ll keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.
My sincerest condolences goes out to the Althoff Family.
I only knew Deb for a short time while working for Logos. I had heard that she had become sick but had know idea the severity.
Dave, may God bless you and your girls in this very difficult time.
Jeff Zoller
Deb was, first of all, a loving and devoted wife and mother. You could see that every time she spoke about you Dave, Ella, and Nora. She was lucky to have you three, and you three were lucky to have her. Although you didn’t see her at work, I can tell you she attacked the job with all her copious energy, moving Kestrel to a continuing project (it still continues) through her excellent work. She sold the sensors to the Brazilians to help watch over the Olympics. She kept at it even through her illness, to a degree which amazed everyone around her.
To the family, my heartfelt condolences for your loss. Please find comfort in the knowledge that God promises to end all suffering. Before long, God will wipe out every tear from our eyes, and “death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things (will) have passed away.”(Rev. 21:1-5). May this promise from God give you comfort now and a real hope for the future. My deepest sympathy.
Dave. So very sorry for your loss. There are no words to help ease the pain; only time can heal. May God be with you and give you the strength to face each day. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you
Much love to the Althoff family and the Kowalczyk family as they mourn the loss of this beautiful soul. She definitely left her mark on this world and I will always remember her fondly as she lives on through her daughters and husband.
Dear Althoff family,
What a beautiful tribute to the beautiful Deb. I am so grateful we had the pleasure to get to know Deb, Ella, and Nora through our participation in Deb’s brownie troop. Deb was kind, compassionate, funny, strong, and a true leader. I am really glad I got the chance to be part of her amazing troop. I am thinking of all of you right now constantly, and I am honored to be one of the many mothers of the brownies who will (attempt) to fill in her shoes as a leader and carry on the legacy she left. I will always think of Deb as a hero.
With love,
The Young family
We will miss Deb so much. You are all in our thoughts Althoff family.
There are no words to express the sorrow in our hearts. Please know that our deepest sympathy are with you all. Praying that God will comfort your heart, uplift your spirit and carry you through this time of sorrow. Truly sorry for your loss.