Debra A. Kolenich

AUSTINTOWN - Debra A. Kolenich, 60, passed away peacefully Saturday afternoon, Nov. 26, 2016, at St. Elizabeth Boardman Health Center, surrounded by her family.

Debra was born Jan. 11, 1956, in Youngstown, the daughter of the late Harold “Brother” Wells and Shirley Ross Wells, and was a lifelong area resident.

She was a 1974 graduate of Chaney High School, and was a graduate of Youngstown State University, earning a degree in respiratory therapy.

Mrs. Kolenich worked as a respiratory therapist for St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown, and she also worked doing sleep studies, retiring several years ago.

Debra enjoyed baking, especially clothespin cookies, socializing with “everyone,” and was a devoted wife and mother who loved her family more than life itself. She will always be remembered for her “heart of gold” and her generosity.

She leaves her husband, William “Bill” Kolenich, whom she married Aug. 30, 1980; two daughters, Katie (Andrew) Slifkin and Kelli Kolenich (fiancé Jon David Mirto); siblings, Karen (Nick) Cooper, Susan (Andy) Koval, Tommy (Mandy) Wells, Kimmy (Jeff) Lambert; and Cindy (Marty) Krause; and many nieces and nephews.

Debra will be truly and sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Family and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 30, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown, where funeral services will take place at 6:30 p.m.