Deborah (Debbi) Hughes Nickelhoff passed away unexpectedly on July 30, 2024. She left behind her three children, Laura, Jack (Hailie), and Sam (Sophie), one granddaughter, Charlie, and her dog, Junie. Being Mom was her purpose in life, and she was great at it. Whether we lost a game or won a race, she was there with a hug and a smile to tell us how proud she was. We know she loved us more than anything in the world, and we were so lucky to call her mom.

Debbi was born and raised in Detroit and grew up the youngest of four, doted on by her older brothers Ken and Tom. She is survived by her sister Beth, who shared her love for bringing the family together for holidays and celebrations.

In addition to being a mom, she spent many proud years working at the UAW, where she followed in the footsteps of her dad. It was there that she also forged some of her deepest friendships and met people who would become like her second family. 

Debbi touched the lives of everyone who knew her. She was kind, compassionate, generous, and fun. She would give the shoes off her feet to someone in need (in fact she once did) and made friends everywhere she went, often holding up the checkout line to ask about the cashier’s day (much to the embarrassment of her kids). 

She also had a stubborn streak, and was tough, adventurous, and unafraid to try something new. Her kids thought it was so cool to have a mom who would pogo stick, ice skate, and ride the tallest roller coasters with them. She drove a car boldly through narrow Italian city streets, traveled alone to an island in Belize to meet her daughter, and smashed a scorpion with her shoe to protect her kids.

Debbi spent much of her life in the places she loved with the people she loved: on and by the lake, at Redwings games, Cantoro’s market, and dinners with close friends and family, sharing the foods she loved (Michigan corn and hot wings to top the list). Those lucky enough to have known her will cherish those memories forever. She was so, so loved.

A celebration of life will be held at Corsi’s Banquet Center, 27910 W. Seven Mile Rd., Livonia, on Sunday, September 8th at 12:30pm. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.