Debra Helane Harder, 72, widow of the late Thomas Harder, died on Monday, August 24, 2026, at PruittHealth - Greenville.

Born November 7, 1953, in Queens, New York, Debra was the daughter of the late Stephen Tymoshek and Corinne Quitman Tymoshek. She was proud to be a veteran and served her country honorably in the United States Army. Debra moved through life with a strong and unmistakable spirit. As a child, she appeared in commercials and television programs, including The Sid Caesar Show and The Jimmy Dean Show, and she also performed in traveling theater productions. As an adult, she worked for many years as a CNA. She loved to cook and found joy in preparing meals to share with others. She also enjoyed Broadway, movies, and television, taking pleasure in the stories, music, and performances that brought life and color to ordinary days. More than anything, Debra treasured time spent with her grandchildren and cherished those moments of closeness and family connection. She was deeply loyal to those who earned her trust, spoke her mind, and carried herself with honesty and conviction. She also had a special affection for her cat, Simon, whose companionship was woven into the fabric of her daily life. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Michelle Rios, and her sister, Dorleen Shapiro.

Survivors include her sons, Christopher Harder (Amy), Timothy Harder, and Thomas Harder; daughter, Nicole Wacker (Daniel); sister, Deedre Fletcher; and grandchildren, Thomas Harder, IV, Zachary Rios, Vincent Rios, Trevor Pierce, Tessa Harder, Danielle Wacker, Sarah Wacker, Coulson Harder, and Callan Harder.

The family will hold a private service at a later date.

Higgins Funeral Home Hillcrest Chapel is honored to serve the family of Debra Harder, please visit www.hillcrestchapelcares.com to share your memories or leave a condolence message.