Obituaries

The remarkable Debra Anne Cooper, RN, MSN, MBA/HCM, CIC, CPHRM, passed peacefully from this world into the next on Thursday, April 6, 2023. She was 69 years old. She was surrounded by her loving family at her home beside the Back Bay in Brimley, Michigan.

"Deb" was preceded in death by her parents, Howard T. Maki in September 2017 and Glenna J. Maki (Knapp) in April 2012, and her eldest brother, Thomas Lee (Paige) Maki in March 1988.

Deb is survived by her loving husband Carl Cooper and her daughters Jeanette Park (Jeff) of Gloucester, Virginia; Connie (Brian) Peterson of Norton Shores, Michigan, grandchildren Aiden, Declan, and Emiya; and Kate (John) Tomasik of West Bloomfield, Michigan, grandchildren Piper and Ethan; her brother John (Marcy) Maki of Maryville, Tennessee; her brother Matthew (Tammy) Maki of Brimley, Michigan; and her sister Kirsti (Russell) Ritschke of Menasha, Wisconsin; together with numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, step children, and step grandchildren.

Deb was born on Wednesday, October 14, 1953, in El Paso, Texas. Growing up in a military family with 5 children, Deb was exposed to a life of travel and adventure, moving every 2 years to a new place around the globe, including Germany, or Taiwan, where she attended middle school. Shortly after graduating from high school in Colorado, she served at Dover AFB, Delaware. She quickly distinguished herself by meritorious service and was honorably discharged with a Commendation Medal as an Airman First Class in June, 1973. She began a journey as a wife and mother, and in 1983 achieved a degree in nursing from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona, eventually earning her BSN and MSN later in life. Deb then spent the next 40 years as a registered nurse dedicating her life to leadership and caring for others. She was Director of Nursing at Tendercare, Sault Ste. Marie until 1988 and then worked at War Memorial Hospital until 2003 as an administrator in Infection Control. She completed EMT training in the late 1990s and helped many in distress. Deb finished her career after working for Coverys for 17 years as a Senior Risk Management Specialist. She married Carl in 2007 and returned "home" to Brimley in 2016 until her end of days. She was highly respected by her colleagues and was a mentor to many over the years. Deb was a fierce and spunky lady who freely shared her generous loving heart, humor, and infectious smile, creating instant friendships wherever she went. She was a wonderful cook who also loved fishing, gardening, playing slots, and long meaningful conversations with friends and loved ones. Her passing will create a void felt by many, but heaven has gained an amazing angel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the National Brain Tumor Society in Deb's honor, 55 Chapel St. Suite #006 Newton, MA 02458,https://nbtsevents.braintumor.org/fundraiser/4629389. The family is being served by Clark Hovie Galer Funeral Home in Sault Ste Marie, MI.