Debra A. Macfarlan of Pembroke Pines, Florida, passed away peacefully on June 22. 2026. She was 70 years old.

Debbie was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, the second daughter of Neil and Virginia Macfarlan (nee Dolan). As the daughter of a U.S. Marine, she spent her childhood moving between many different locations before her family settled in Bowie, Maryland, where she graduated from Bowie High School. She went on to earn her bachelor degree from Frostburg State University and later her Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law. Debbie played varsity basketball in both high school and college. She was a member in good standing of the Florida BAR for many years.

Debbie moved to South Florida in 1978, where she made her home for the rest of her life. Early in her career, she worked as a PE teacher at Miami Country Day School. She was passionate about sports and the outdoors, later she enjoyed teaching golf to young children through the First Tee program and working at the Grand Palms Golf Course. An avid swimmer, Debbie completed numerous Ocean Mile swims and triathlons throughout her life many times finishing first in her age group. She was also a dedicated tennis player for many years, competing on a women’s USTA 4.5 team that advanced to the U.S. national championship, where they finished second in the country, a true testament to her competitive spirit and love of the game.

Above all, Debbie loved her family. The Macfarlan family cherished many summer vacations together in Bethany Beach, Delaware. For many years the Macfarlan family had a beloved tradition of playing an annual Thanksgiving Day basketball game against the Devaney Family, one that was even featured in the Washington Post.

Debbie was predeceased by her parents, Corneilius (Neil) and Virginia Macfarlan; her brother Neil; her brother-in-law, Emil (Zack) Sikorsky (husband of Mary Ann); and her nephew, Colin Mulhern (son of Joanne and Mike).

She is survived by her husband, Paul Katilas; her sisters Joanne (Michael) Mulhern. and Mary Ann Sikorsky; her nephew Ryan Sikorsky (Jamie) and their daughters Keira and Cassidy; her niece Kellie Prendiville (Charles/Chuck) and their children Finnegan and Molly; her nephew Casey Mulhern (Claiborne/Clai) and their son Tripp; her niece Catie O’Dwyer (Michael) and their children Gigi and Rudy; and her beloved dogs over the years; Schlitz. Bogey. Irish. Rylie, Ginge. and Domer.

Debbie will be remembered for her fierce love of family, her competitive spirit, and the joy she brought to everyone around her. Her entire extended family and friends will attend a celebration of her life at the Beach. She will be missed.