Deborah L. Cochenour

Deborah L. (Sarge) Cochenour was born in 1955 in Pennsylvania, the daughter of Leon Emerson Sarge and Sophie (Khuze) Sarge. Growing up in the Pittsburgh metropolitan region, she was rooted in a family with deep ties to Pennsylvania's industrial communities, where generations of working families had established themselves across the steel towns and boroughs of Allegheny County.

Her father, Leon Emerson Sarge, was born in 1914 and served his country during World War II, registering for military service in 1943. Leon worked and lived in the Allegheny area until his death on October 12, 1979, at age 65. Deborah's mother, Sophie Khuze, brought to the family a heritage that appeared to reflect the rich tapestry of Central or Eastern European immigration that characterized Pennsylvania's industrial communities in the early twentieth century. This multicultural background positioned Deborah within the broader story of American families whose roots stretched across continents while putting down deep roots in Pennsylvania soil.

In her adult years, Deborah married John Frederick Cochenour, a union that would span several decades and connect her to another Pennsylvania family with remarkable historical depth. John, born on September 2, 1926, in McKeesport, was significantly older than Deborah. He had served with distinction in the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Ordnanceman Third Class during World War II in the Pacific Theater, and later graduated from Westminster College with a degree in chemistry. John brought to their marriage not only his own remarkable life story but also connections to a family lineage that traced back through Pennsylvania history to Abraham Cochenour, who married Frances Hite in Shenandoah County, Virginia, in 1795.

Together, Deborah and John built a family that became the center of her world. She was the devoted mother of two children: John (Meg) Cochenour and Melissa (Nicole) Kacin. Her daughter Melissa established herself in Duquesne, Pennsylvania, maintaining the family tradition of staying close to home. Through her children, Deborah experienced the joy of becoming a grandmother to Eternity, John, and Remy Cochenour, children whose distinctive names reflected both family tradition and contemporary American naming practices.

Deborah made her home in Homestead, Pennsylvania, a historic borough along the Monongahela River that holds a special place in American labor history. Homestead, known for the pivotal 1892 steel strike, remained a tight-knit community of fewer than 3,000 residents, where neighbors knew each other and families like Deborah's maintained connections across generations. Her choice to remain in this area reflected the strong community bonds and family networks that anchored her life.

Those who knew Deborah well understood her gentle and caring nature, particularly evident in her relationship with animals. She was devoted to her cat, whom she enjoyed "spoiling as often as possible," finding joy in the simple pleasure of providing comfort and companionship to her beloved pet. This love of animals reflected her nurturing spirit and capacity for unconditional affection.

Deborah embraced the conveniences and pleasures of contemporary life with enthusiasm. She discovered joy in online shopping, adapting readily to the digital age and enjoying the convenience of purchasing items from the comfort of her home. Her evenings often found her relaxing with a refreshing glass of Pepsi, a simple pleasure that marked the end of each day. These modest comforts spoke to her appreciation for life's simple joys and her ability to find contentment in everyday routines.

Perhaps most importantly, Deborah cultivated meaningful friendships that enriched her life immeasurably. She maintained a warm social circle that included many friends, but none more cherished than her best friend, Joanie. This special friendship provided Deborah with companionship, laughter, and support through the various seasons of her life. The strength of their bond was evident to all who knew them, and Joanie's presence in Deborah's life exemplified the importance she placed on authentic human connection.

The final years of Deborah's life brought both challenge and resilience. When her beloved husband John passed away on April 9, 2020, at the remarkable age of 93, Deborah faced the transition to widowhood with the same quiet strength that had characterized her throughout her life. John's death marked the end of a long marriage that had been built on shared values, family devotion, and mutual respect. During their years together, John had been deeply involved in community service through Mount Vernon Community Presbyterian Church, where he served as a Sunday School teacher and lay preacher, and through the Boy Scouts, where his dedication earned him the Silver Beaver award.

Throughout the six years following John's death, Deborah continued to live independently in Homestead, surrounded by the community she loved and the family connections that sustained her. She remained close to her children and grandchildren, maintaining the role of family matriarch that brought her such joy. Her home continued to be a gathering place for family celebrations and quiet visits, where her warmth and wisdom touched multiple generations.

On March 31, 2026, Deborah L. Cochenour passed away peacefully at the age of 70. Her death marked the end of a life lived with grace, dedication to family, and appreciation for the bonds that connect us all. The timing of her passing, just days before spring fully emerged, seemed somehow fitting for a woman who had nurtured so many relationships and helped them bloom throughout her lifetime.

Her memorial service was held on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at the Savolskis-Wasik-Glenn Funeral Home in nearby Munhall, where friends and family gathered to celebrate her life and share memories. The service provided an opportunity for the many people whose lives she had touched to come together in remembrance and mutual support. Following the service, she was laid to rest through inurnment at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Pittsburgh, the historic Catholic cemetery founded in 1886 that serves as the final resting place for thousands of Pittsburgh-area families.