Obituary of Deborra Anne Kolehmainen

Debbie Kolehmainen, 69, of Hillside Beach, Manitoba, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, June 8, 2024. Debbie was born to parents Doreen (Epps) and Fredrick Lowery on July 16, 1954, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Debbie is survived by her most prized person, her son, Derek; Eric's two daughters Kaija Kolehmainen (Darren) and Liisa Kolehmainen (Karl) of Ontario; her mother Doreen Macey, stepmother Diane Rae of Vancouver; her aunt Donna Miller; treasured friends Barb, Peter, Shelley, Lindsey and many lifelong friendships that were formed through the 40 years of her and Eric's business Traverse Bay Auto Service in the beaches community.

 Debbie was predeceased by her life partner Erkki (Eric) in 2016; her father Frederick Lowery 1996; and her brother Derek Lowery 1988

Debbie was a devoted wife, mother, and friend. She was an immensely proud sister. The walls in her home displaying her brother's artwork and paintings, and for any visitors to her home she was sure to always share stories of her brother and how special he was to her. Cherished letters they each had kept from one another all these years truly show how very fond they both were of one another.

 “When tomorrow starts without me, And I’m not there to see, If the sun should rise and find your eyes All filled with tears for me; I wish so much you wouldn’t cry The way you did today, While thinking of the many things, We didn’t get to say. I know how much you love, me, As much as I love you, And each time you think of me, I know you’ll miss me too; But when tomorrow starts without me, Please try to understand, That an angel came and called my name, And took me by the hand, And said my place was ready, In heaven far above And that I’d have to leave behind All those I dearly love. But as I turned to walk away, A tear fell from my eye for all my life, I’d always thought, I didn’t want to die. I had so much to live for, so much left yet to do, it seemed almost impossible, That I was leaving you. I thought of all the yesterdays, The good ones and the bad, the thought of all the love we shared, and all the fun we had. If I could relive yesterday Just even for a while, I’d say good-bye and kiss you and maybe see you smile.”

Cremation has taken place, and no formal service will be held.