Deborah A. Hoepp-McConomy, 57, retired Philadelphia police officer

Deborah A. Hoepp-McConomy, 57, of Northeast Philadelphia, a retired Philadelphia police officer, died of brain cancer Monday, Sept. 26, at home.

A native of Kensington, Mrs. Hoepp-McConomy graduated from Little Flower High School in 1972.

She joined the police force in May 1976, the year a federal court ruled that women could be patrol officers with the same duties as men.

While on patrol in the 22d District in North Philadelphia in 1977, Mrs. Hoepp-McConomy helped rescue patients from a fire at St. Joseph's Hospital and received a Police Department citation for bravery.

She was treated for a brain tumor in 1996 and then returned to work in the computer department of the 26th District, painstakingly relearning her computer skills after a memory loss related to her illness.

Mayor Ed Rendell presented her with the Theodore Roosevelt Association Award in 1997, given to police officers who overcome physical disabilities and continue working.

Despite recurring brain tumors that were treated with surgery and radiation, Mrs. Hoepp-McConomy stayed on the force until retiring in 2008.

In 2005, her 26th District colleagues gave her the Daniel Boyle Memorial Award for her perseverance.

"She was a fighter and always kept a positive attitude," said her daughter, Kiersten McConomy. She had a great voice and would sing at work, at home, and among friends, her daughter said.

Mrs. Hoepp-McConomy enjoyed socializing with an informal sorority of friends from high school.

Since 1980, she had been married to William McConomy, a now-retired Philadelphia police lieutenant. The couple met on the job.

In addition to her husband and daughter, Mrs. Hoepp-McConomy is survived by sons Keith, Jason, Lance, and Adam; five grandchildren; and Rita and Arthur Hill, an aunt and uncle who raised her.

A funeral is scheduled for noon Saturday, Oct. 1, at Trinity Church Oxford, 6900 Oxford Ave.. Friends may call from 10 a.m.