Deborah Ann Gonzalez
June 26th, 1962 - September 10th, 2025
Share Book of Memories with a Friend
Please enter the name and email details so that we can send your friend a link to the online tribute. No names or addresses will be collected by using this service.
Deborah's Obituary
Deborah Ann Gonzalez, 63, of Edwardsburg, MI, passed away Wednesday, September 10, 2025.
A service to celebrate Deborah’s life will be held at 4:00 PM on Wednesday, September 17, at Clark Chapel and Cremation Services, 405 Center St., Dowagiac, where friends may visit with her family from 2:00 PM until the time of service. Rev. Scott Scheel of Edwardsburg Presbyterian Church will officiate. To share a memory or message of condolence, please visit Deborah’s personalized webpage at www.clarkch.com.
Deborah was born in Paw Paw, MI on June 26, 1962, to Joe and Jerrita (Welsh) Thielmann. She graduated from Dowagiac Union High School. Deborah married and had two beautiful daughters – Christy and Jamie – who are her pride and joy. Deborah continued her education at Southwestern Michigan College, receiving her associate’s degree in nursing. She was an absolute gem and attracted wonderful people in her life, especially her partner, Tim Tirotta.
Deborah was the most selfless person. She loved being with her family which now, has grown to include many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, the additional “lights of her life”. Deborah was a woman of faith who was deeply devoted to Christ and her church, Edwardsburg Presbyterian, regularly attending with her daughter.
Deborah adored nature: lakes, sunsets. Her heart was generous, and her smile unforgettable. She will be fondly remembered by all those who know her.
Surviving are her partner – Tim Tirotta; daughters – Jamie (Lukus) Handshoe and Christy (Fidel) Mazeda; step-children – David Tirotta and Shannon Tirotta; grandchildren – Courtney (Kyle) Doroh, Gavin Houser, Samantha Mazeda, Jonathan Mazeda, Caden Staley, Brendan Handshoe, Konner Handshoe, Serena Tirotta and Mailiyah Tirotta; great grandchildren – Adalynn Adams and Oliver Doroh; sister – Mary Ryll; and brothers – Jim (Geri) Thielmann, Joe (Brenda) Thielmann, and Mike (Betsy) Thielmann. She was preceded in death by her parents – Joe and Jerrita Thielmann; sister – Angela Douglas; and her granddaughter – Meghan Houser, on July 18, 2022.
A service to celebrate Deborah’s life will be held at 4:00 PM on Wednesday, September 17, at Clark Chapel and Cremation Services, 405 Center St., Dowagiac, where friends may visit with her family from 2:00 PM until the time of service. Rev. Scott Scheel of Edwardsburg Presbyterian Church will officiate. To share a memory or message of condolence, please visit Deborah’s personalized webpage at www.clarkch.com.
Deborah was born in Paw Paw, MI on June 26, 1962, to Joe and Jerrita (Welsh) Thielmann. She graduated from Dowagiac Union High School. Deborah married and had two beautiful daughters – Christy and Jamie – who are her pride and joy. Deborah continued her education at Southwestern Michigan College, receiving her associate’s degree in nursing. She was an absolute gem and attracted wonderful people in her life, especially her partner, Tim Tirotta.
Deborah was the most selfless person. She loved being with her family which now, has grown to include many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, the additional “lights of her life”. Deborah was a woman of faith who was deeply devoted to Christ and her church, Edwardsburg Presbyterian, regularly attending with her daughter.
Deborah adored nature: lakes, sunsets. Her heart was generous, and her smile unforgettable. She will be fondly remembered by all those who know her.
Surviving are her partner – Tim Tirotta; daughters – Jamie (Lukus) Handshoe and Christy (Fidel) Mazeda; step-children – David Tirotta and Shannon Tirotta; grandchildren – Courtney (Kyle) Doroh, Gavin Houser, Samantha Mazeda, Jonathan Mazeda, Caden Staley, Brendan Handshoe, Konner Handshoe, Serena Tirotta and Mailiyah Tirotta; great grandchildren – Adalynn Adams and Oliver Doroh; sister – Mary Ryll; and brothers – Jim (Geri) Thielmann, Joe (Brenda) Thielmann, and Mike (Betsy) Thielmann. She was preceded in death by her parents – Joe and Jerrita Thielmann; sister – Angela Douglas; and her granddaughter – Meghan Houser, on July 18, 2022.
Service Details
View the current service details below. Sign up for email or text updates to receive notifications of any changes to service schedules or important information.