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BORN

1957

DIED

2025

FUNERAL HOME

Toft Funeral Home, Hinman Chapel

38 South Street

Berlin Heights, Ohio

Debra Kolakowski Obituary

Debra S. Kolakowski

May 5, 1957 - Mar 9, 2025

Monroe, Michigan

Debra S. (Canterbury) Kolakowski, 67, of Monroe, Michigan, passed away peacefully in her sleep Sunday, March 9, 2025, in her home surrounded by her family after a short illness.

She was born May 5, 1957 in Sandusky to Edmond and Ann (Verble) Canterbury.

Debra graduated from Edison High School in 1976. She worked as a teacher's aide, most recently at Arborwood Elementary School in Monroe, Michigan. In her spare time, she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, and attending country music concerts.

Debra is survived by her husband, Benjamine, whom she married October 19, 2002; mother, Ann Harvey; daughters, Teresa (Paul) Moore, Tiffany Giummo, and Tressa (Kyle) Ramsey; son, Brian Higgins; sisters, Estil Canterbury, Tina Huntington, and Teresa Cartwright; many grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Edmond Canterbury; daughter, Angie Giummo; brother, Joe Canterbury; and nephew, David Nease.

Visitation will be from 11-1 p.m. Thursday, March 13, 2025, at Toft Funeral Home, Hinman Chapel, 38 South St., Berlin Heights. Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery. A catered lunch will follow at Fourteen on Main, 14 E. Main St., Berlin Heights, OH 44814.

Condolences may be shared online at toftfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Sandusky Register on Mar. 12, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Debra Kolakowski

Sponsored by Toft Funeral Home, Hinman Chapel formerly Morman-Hinman Funeral Home.

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Pam Hepler Pace

March 11, 2025

Cousins are our first friends we make as young children. Debbie was one of my cousin friends that made trips to Ohio so much fun. I will miss her. Hugs to her children and her spouse. Here is our Granny Canterbury, my Mom, Sadie, my daughter Susan, and me ,Pam.

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Memorial Events
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Mar

13

Visitation

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Toft Funeral Home, Hinman Chapel

Mar

13

Service

1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Toft Funeral Home, Hinman Chapel

Funeral services provided by:

Toft Funeral Home, Hinman Chapel

38 South Street, Berlin Heights, OH 44814

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