Deborah Ann Jacinta Carow, 70, of River Falls, Wis. passed away unexpectedly at her home on Friday, June 20, 2025.
Deb was born on July 6, 1954, in Trinidad and Tobago to Carl and Vera (Pereira) Harp. Carl met Vera while serving in the United States Navy.
In 1959, the Harp family moved to the United States and settled in South St. Paul, Minn., where Carl worked for Swift Meat Packing Company. In 1968, her family relocated to River Falls, Wis., to pursue the restaurant business.
During high school, while performing with the Golden Girls Pom-Pom line, she met the love of her life, Jeff Carow, at a Wildcat-Tigers basketball game. She graduated from River Falls High School in 1972. She formed lifelong friendships with the “Sweet 16” gang.
The couple married at the “old” St. Bridget’s Church in River Falls on Jan. 4, 1975.
As a young bride, Debi worked hard at the Falls Theater, Falls Café, and the Brathaus alongside her parents. She and Jeff first lived in a trailer before moving into their first—and only—home on East Maple Street.
Debi also worked at Cenex, Payless Shoes, and managed the money room at the Hudson Dog Track.
She loved bargain hunting and helping family members find the perfect shirt or pair of shoes.
Debi cherished time with her family, her girlfriends, practicing yoga, exercising with kettlebells, and being near the water—whether at the lake or the beach—especially when her boys were young.
An avid dog lover, she had a special fondness for her Cocker Spaniel, Breezy.
Debi’s faith deepened, and she was often seen with a missal, Bible, or an Oprah’s Book Club novel.
The last 13 years brought her immense joy as a grandmother, affectionately known as “Mimi.”
Her final years were increasingly marked by devoted care for Jeff, supporting him through his battle with cancer. She took great pride in aiding his recovery.
In her final loving act, she donated her organs to help others.
She was preceded in death by her father, Carl Louis Harp Jr.
Debi is survived by her husband, Jeffrey Carow; her two children, Brett (Carisa) of Fort Mill, SC, and Nicholas (Casie) of River Falls, Wis.; and four beloved grandchildren: Jackson, Lorelei, Meredith, and Grace. She is also survived by her mother, Vera; two brothers, Carl Michael (Theresa) and Robert; and her sister, Gabriella.
Visitation will be held 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, at Bakken Young (805 E. Division St.) in River Falls. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 10 with visitation one hour prior to the service at St. Bridget Catholic Church (211 E. Division St.) in River Falls, a light lunch will follow the service and burial at Greenwood Cemetery.
Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
