It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Debra (Deb) J. Kosterman (Ward), a long-time resident of Hanson, MA. Deb passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on her 72nd birthday, January 8th, 2025, after a long journey with dementia.

Deb is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Warren Kosterman, and their four children: Andrew Kosterman of Hanson, MA; Amy Pinheiro and her husband, Paul, of Woburn, MA; Ashley Rappold of Scituate, MA; and Adam Kosterman and his wife, Mutita, of Whitman, MA. She is also survived by her three cherished grandchildren: James, Ava, and Patrick.

Deb was born in Beaumont, Texas, to the late Joe B. and Mary (Varilly) Ward, where she was raised and educated in Greenfield, MA, class of 1971. She then earned her Associate’s degree in Fine Arts from Greenfield Community College, followed by a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Psychology from Bridgewater State College. During this time, she met and married the love of her life, Warren, and eventually settled in Hanson, where they raised their family. Deb loved children and always dreamed of being a mother. Her fondest memories were of raising her four children, fulfilling her dream of having a big family.

Deb began her career at the Beachhill Workshop as a procurement manager, where she met some of her dearest and lifelong friends. Her most recent job was at North River Collaborative as a parent educator, facilitating programs for families with young children. Her dedication to helping others was a hallmark of her career.

Throughout her life, Deb pursued a variety of hobbies, including stained glass, photography, painting, sewing, crocheting, and ceramics. She could often be found “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” with Richard Simmons in her living room. While she enjoyed these activities, nothing brought her greater joy than spending time with her family and friends, which she deeply cherished.

Deb is also survived by her siblings: Marybeth Ofiara and her husband, Ron, of St. Augustine, FL; Barbara Quesada and her husband, Rob, of Laguna Niguel, CA; and Carolyn Ferguson and her late husband, Mark, of Holbrook, MA; as well as her sister-in-law, Laurel Ward, of Feeding Hills, MA. She will be lovingly remembered by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her two siblings, Dianne Lang and Michael Ward, and her son-in-law, Barret Rappold.

Deb will forever be remembered for her kind heart, her silly humor that often left her laughing uncontrollably to the point of tears, her compassionate spirit, and her radiant smile. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

The Kosterman family invites friends and loved ones to celebrate Deb’s life in the Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home on Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 4:00-7:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held in the Holy Apostles Catholic Church (formerly St. Joseph's Church) 1 Maquan St. In Hanson on Friday, January 17, 2025 at 11:00 AM. Deb’s family would like to extend an invitation to their funeral guests to join them at the Meadowbrook Restaurant, 1488 Main St. Hanson MA, following the Funeral Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (http://www.alzfdn.org).