From Debbie to Debrina: The Journey of a Life Cut Short

Before she embraced the name Debrina, she was simply known as Debbie. In the quaint town of Little Falls, New Jersey, Debbie Kawam was not just a girl; she was the heartbeat of her community—a bright cheerleader radiating positivity, offering high-fives to her peers in the bustling hallways of Passaic Valley Regional High School. Her teenage years were filled with laughter as she cruised around with friends, striking poses against a backdrop of iconic Led Zeppelin posters. Even during her time as a hostess at Perkins Pancake House, her infectious smile and warm welcome made her a favorite among diners.

As she ventured into her 20s, Ms. Kawam continued to shine as the life of the party, often jetting off with girlfriends to vibrant destinations like Las Vegas and the Caribbean, fully immersing herself in the joy of the moment. However, the vibrancy of her life would eventually be overshadowed by prolonged periods of darkness.

Tragically, on December 22, Ms. Kawam became the victim of a horrific act of violence when she was set afire on a subway train in Brooklyn. This seemingly random attack was captured on harrowing video, plunging the community into shock. For nine agonizing days, she remained anonymous in death, leaving behind a void that would soon be filled with grief and remembrance. It wasn’t until her identity was confirmed on Tuesday that her loved ones could begin the difficult process of mourning.

As the name Debrina surfaced in news reports, former classmates and friends began to gather their cherished memories, determined to overshadow the haunting image of a life extinguished too soon. “She was so sweet and kind,” reminisced Diane Risoldi, 57, a former colleague from the pancake house. “Debbie was the one who helped me land that job. I can still picture her in her black skirt and pink button-down, always radiating joy.”

“She seemed like a girl destined for greatness,” reflected Susan Fraser, another friend from her youth.

At the age of 57, Ms. Kawam grew up in a modest white house nestled on a street lined with similar single-family homes. Her father toiled on the assembly line at the General Motors plant in Linden, while her mother dedicated her time to working in a local bakery. She was the youngest in a tight-knit family, with an older brother and sister who played significant roles in her formative years.