Debra Ann Whitlow Rosier, 54, media executive

Debra Ann Whitlow Rosier, 54, of Wallingford, an executive at a media company in Bala Cynwyd, died Friday, Jan. 30, of breast cancer at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.

Born in Orlando, Mrs. Rosier grew up in Cohasset, Mass. She earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Syracuse University in 1982.

Mrs. Rosier worked for advertising agencies in Dallas and Boston before joining Harmelin Media in Bala Cynwyd in 1992.

Her first job was as a senior media planner, evaluating the best mix of media outlets in order to get a client's message across. The firm does business throughout the country.

After two years, Mrs. Rosier became a media manager, with people reporting to her, said Lyn Strickler, her coworker and an executive vice president.

In 1995, Mrs. Rosier was promoted to vice president. She worked until six weeks before she died.

During Mrs. Rosier's tenure, Harmelin grew from 40 employees to 200.

"She was an integral part of our growth and our success over the years," Strickler said. "She handled some of our largest accounts and led a really innovative planning team. She was one of our top people."

Mrs. Rosier was a member of the 1,000 Lap Club at the Wallingford Swim Club and a frequent visitor to the beaches of Cape Henlopen State Park and Margate, N.J., where she enjoyed walking and swimming.

"She loved to swim. She took good care of herself," said her husband, Paul, chair of Villanova University's history department. At one point, she did a mini-triathlon.

Her greatest joy, her husband said, was watching the couple's two sons grow into "fine young men."

She supported numerous organizations, including Women Against Abuse and the Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College.

In person, Mrs. Rosier was generous and gracious. Although a private person, she was engaged in her community and enjoyed attending her sons' sporting events.

Surviving, beside her husband, are sons Maxwell and Casey; her mother, Ann Whitlow; two sisters; and nephews and nieces.

Plans for a memorial service this month are pending. Burial was private.

Contributions in her memory may be made to Women Against Abuse, 100 S. Broad St., Suite 1341, Philadelphia 19110, or via www.womenagainstabuse.org/index.php/donate.