- Date Of Birth: January 25, 1949
- Date Of Death: October 30, 2017
- State: Michigan
Deborah Ann Durlach, 68, died peacefully in the company of loved ones on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017, in Kalamazoo.
Debbie was born on Jan. 25, 1949, in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, New York, the daughter of Thomas and Dorothea Spataro. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in early childhood education from Rivier University in Nashua, New Hampshire, and a master’s degree in early childhood education from Adelphi University in Garden City, New York. She was a certified teacher in both New York and New Hampshire.
Forty-five years ago, Debbie and Joe met at a disco club in Glen Cove, New York. They had an instant connection. All it took was one look and they both fell in love right then and therea”a single moment that would change the course of their lives. The two were inseparable from that point forward; they married a year later on Dec. 22, 1973.
Joe and Debbie had three children: Thomas, Michael and Kelly. After their eldest, Thomas, was born, Debbie became a stay-at-home mom. In that instant, her kids became her life. She sacrificed everything for them, and always put them first. It was her ambition to make their lives like Disneylanda”magical and perfect, full of love and wonderment. That is how Debbie lived her life. To say she spoiled her kids was an understatement.
After her youngest, Kelly, started high school, Debbie went back to work for Portage Public Schools for several years. She retired at age 62.
Debbie’s hobbies included reading books, coloring and gardening. She spent countless hours decorating the house, especially for holidays. Her home was her happy place, and she made every guest feel loved and welcome. Holidays were always a special time with Debbie at the helm. She went all out, and treasured filling her home with loved ones, laughter, and as many treats, gifts and decorations as she could find.
As her own sons had children of their own, Debbie turned her focus back to creating the best life possible for the kidsa”this time her grandkids. She found great joy in reliving old memories and loved nothing more than to paint, play, swim or watch movies with her grandchildren.
Debbie had a huge heart, and would do anything for anyone. She will be greatly missed by loved ones, who know she is watching over them and taking care of friends and family in heaven.
Debbie is survived by her husband, Joseph E. Durlach Jr. Also surviving are three children, Thomas (Tonya) Durlach, Michael Durlach and Kelly Durlach; and four grandchildren, Carter, Samuel, Lily and Caden.
