Mary “Debbie” Boylan, 65 of Wilkes-Barre, passed away Friday evening, December 21, 2018 at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Hospital, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous seven year battle with breast cancer.

Born in Wilkes-Barre, she was the daughter of the late Anthony F. and Mary C. (Gallagher) Walsh.

Debbie was a graduate of the last graduating class of St. Mary’s High School, Wilkes-Barre, Class of 1971. She worked most of her life in the medical field and then as a secretary for the Wilkes-Barre City Fire Department until retiring due to health issues.

Debbie’s love and devotion to her family was exceptional. Her husband and two children were her best friends. Her three grandchildren were the lights of her life. She never missed a game or dance recital! She truly lived life to the fullest. Everyone who met Debbie loved her and knew how special she was. She thoroughly enjoyed the time she spent with agents and friends at the Knights of Columbus. She loved her trips to Atlantic City with her husband and her recent AC bus trip with her sister Mimi. Even through her toughest times, she always had a smile on her face. Her selflessness and humility made her an inspiration to everyone around her. Her husband and soulmate Jack showed his unconditional love, unwavering compassion, and everlasting devotion every step of the way for the love of his life!

She was preceded in death by her infant daughter Melissa Boylan (twin to Miriam).

Surviving are her husband Jack Boylan, Wilkes-Barre, daughter Miriam Kapelan and her husband Nick, Bear Creek, son John Boylan and his fiancée Mary Jo Hoolick, Hanover, grandchildren Nicholas and Jack Kapelan and Isabella Boylan, sisters Miriam Bernardi and her husband Louis, Bear Creek, Patricia Raleigh, Virginia Beach, VA, brother Anthony Walsh and his wife Kathy, Georgia, and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, December 27, 2018 at 9:00 am at St. Maria Goretti Church, 42 Redwood Drive, Laflin, PA 18702, with Father James Walsh, Pastor, officiating and Father Louis Grippe, co-celebrating. Those attending the funeral mass are asked to go directly to church Thursday morning. The Parish Rosary Group will pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Rosary in the Church 30 minutes before the Mass. All are invited to attend. Private entombment will be held in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Township. Family and friends may call Wednesday, December 26, 2018 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street, Plains, PA 18705.

Debbie and her entire family would like to thank her oncologist, Dr. Paula Ronjon, the wonderful nurses at the chemo center and Dr. Hammed Ninalowo and staff at GWV Interventional Radiology for their care and compassion through her treatment.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Maria Goretti Church, 42 Redwood Drive, Laflin, PA 18702.