Obituary of Deborah Eileen Mio

It is with heavy hearts, filled with love, that we announce the sudden passing of our wife, mother, Nonna, sister, sister-in-law, Zia, cugina, and friend, Deborah, affectionately known to her friends and family as “Debby.” Loving wife of Oliviero, the sparkle in her eye, for nearly 60 adventurous years. Proud, strong, and loving mother to her “best” son, Michael (Tanya), and her “favourite” son, Christopher (Meghan), whom she adored equally. Sweetest Nonna to Alexander and Ava, to whom she was hopelessly devoted forever. Debby’s caring and loving ways were magnetic. Her optimism and bubbly cheer complimented her fierce dedication to her friends and family. Daughter to Ronald(1982) and Thelma(2008) Ettinger, sister to Ronald(2023) and Jessy. Daughter-in- Law to Giovanni(1988) and Adelia Mio(2007), sister-in-law to Tiziana and Raymond(2007), Robert and Dawn. Cousin and cugina to the DeMarco, Ferraro, Clozza, Mailloux and Morrasut families. Loving Zia to Mark, Gina, Jessica, Jennifer, Gabriel(2021), Mario, Andre, and Derek.

A proud West sider growing up on Barrymore Lane, Debby attended JL Forster Secondary School. Shortly after, she met her soulmate and began their lifelong journey with her best friend. While raising her two children, Debby successfully graduated from nursing school, turning her natural gift for caring for others into a fulfilling career as a Registered Nurse at IODE, Met and Detroit Receiving. Debby was inspired to pursue her dreams with the support of her cherished cugina, Adi. Together, they became role models for Jessica and Ava to follow their own paths into nursing. Debby was a dedicated family cheerleader. She always had a beer ready for Ollie at the end of a race and never missed cheering on her sons and her Nini, never missing a concert, play, dance, or game.

Together, they traveled the world. Europe, The Caribbean and the South Pacific were highlights of their adventures together where they collected more stories and friends than they could ever hope to count or retell… though they do try.  She was loved by those near and far. She will be greatly missed by family in Italy and lifelong friends she made in Hawaii, Key Largo (Buttonwood), and Australia.

Debby also enjoyed time with her girls, whether it was having lunch with the ladies, doing amazing work with the Sunshine Girls, or hanging out with her nursing friends. She always looked forward to getting together. She thought the world of you all.

Debby was happiest sharing her love for animals: koala bears, dolphins, and dogs were among her favorites. She cherished and loved her Bruno time. Thank you, Chris and Sue, for sharing him with us.

To know Debby was to know her unconditional love. It is impossible to sum her up in a few paragraphs. She was happiest when surrounded by family and friends, with a margarita in her hand and smile on her face. She was a beautiful woman, and we will miss her so very, very much. Ciao, baby.

Visitation will be held at Windsor Chapel Funeral Home – South Chapel, 3048 Dougall Avenue (519-253-7236) on Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 2-5pm and 7-9pm and Sunday, January 26, 2025, from 11:00am until time of prayer service at 12:00 noon in the chapel. Cremation to follow. A private family interment at Heavenly Rest Catholic Cemetery will take place at a later date.

As an expression of sympathy and greatly appreciated by the family, memorial donations may be made to the The Windsor/Essex County Humane Society , The Kidney Foundation of Canada , or consider signing up to be a donor at Trillium Gift of Life Network .