Deborah Lynn Cilwa, 47, of Gaylord, passed away Saturday, August 14, 2021.
She was the daughter of Richard Cilwa and Donna (Prusakiewicz) Jelonek, born on May 6, 1974, in Gaylord, Michigan.
Deborah enjoyed crafting and gardening. She was well known in the kitchen for making traditional Polish dishes. Deborah could be easily found in a group by her infectious smile and giggle. She had a very bubbly personality and was always fun to be with. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Raymond and Amelia Cilwa, and Raymond and Bernadette Prusakiewicz.
Deborah is survived by her parents; children, Stephen Barber, Cassie Barber, and Shania Huff; grandchildren, Collin and Connor; sister, Ann-Marie (Chuck) Wilson; nieces, Jacqueline Cilwa-Wilson, Jennifer Cilwa-Wilson and nephew, Charles Wilson.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, August 17, 2021, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Cathedral, 606 N. Ohio Ave., Gaylord, MI 49735. Visitation will start at the church at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Otsego County Animal Shelter, 256 Fairview Rd., Gaylord, MI 49735.
Arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
16 comments on “Deborah L. Cilwa”
Shania -So sorry for your loss. Your mom was a great lady! Really enjoyed getting to know her at Sparr Mall! ❤️
Steve, I’m so sorry about your mom! Your family is in my thoughts and prayers!
Sorry to hear of Debbie’s passing, my thoughts are with her family.
My Barber kid… I’m so very sorry for your loss. Love ya kid.
So very sorry for your loss Richard. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Deb was one of the 1st friends I made when I moved up north. I called her do-it-all Debbie becasue there’s nothing she couldn’t do! I’ll never forget our Christmas tree excursion!!! Deb got down on the ground and sawed that tree down with a vengeance. Then we all had to push and shove to get it in my house. Great memory!! We had many laughs and good times. I’m so sorry for your loss Stephen, Cassie, Shania & family.
Steve Barber, Richard Cilwa my deepest heart is with you in this hard time so very sorry for the loss of Debbie!
Debbie was a great person to work with for 7 years, she made work so fun.
Sorry to her 3 kids as they have lost a great woman for sure!
Thinking of you all at this horrible time!
So sorry to hear of Debbie’s passing. She was a happy person, always had a smile on her face you will be missed … jeanice sivak
To the Cilwa family,
I worked with Deb at the Post Office and even though I was in Grayling and she was in Frederick when I did get to see her she was always smiling and laughing. We will all miss her, her bright smile and laugh. May God Bless you all at this time and help you get through this difficult time. You are all in my prayers.
I am so sorry to hear of Debbie’s passing. I am so glad she stopped me at my mailbox and chatted just a few short months ago. When I would stop at Sparr Mall and she was working I always left with a smile…Thank you for that Deb…
My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Debbie was the kindest and happiest person, proud to call her our cousin…
Steve and Shania, sorry for the loss of your Mom. May the Angels 😇lead her into Paradise.
Richard, sorry to hear about your daughters passing at such a young age. Very sad and hard on you and her family. I hope you are doing well.
Sending my condolences to the family. Deb was a great lady, I worked with Deb at Carters Food Center Gaylord. I had the pleasure to know her as a co-worker and a friend. Words can not describe Deb, she was an awesome lady. Funny, always willing to help, caring, loving, and very patient. Deb will truly be missed by many as she had touched so many! Thank you Deb for all you are! Bless you.
Our condolences to all Debbie’s family. It is a loss for so many who shared a life with her. So sad as family we did not know her. Our heart and prayers go out to her friends and family.
The Ron and Susan Jaruzel families.