Obituary for Deborah Puhalla

YOUNGSTOWN - There will be a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, June 20, 2014, at St. Michael’s Church, 300 North Broad St., Canfield, for Deborah Jean Puhalla, 53, who died suddenly on Monday, June 16, 2014, at St. Elizabeth Health Center.

Deborah was born on Sept. 13, 1960, in Youngstown, the daughter of Nicholas and Betty Lou (Kristian) Velichko.

She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1978. She started her career with Doctor McGowen in Poland, as a Medical Assistant for over 25 years.

Deborah was a member of St. Michael Church in Canfield. She enjoyed riding motorcycles, working in the garden, cooking, dancing and playing record albums. She was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates fan and enjoyed following college football along with NASCAR racing.

Deborah is survived by her husband of 32 years, Michael J. Puhalla, whom she married on July 23, 1982; a son, Michael J. Puhalla Jr. of Bellefontaine; her daughter, Jennifer L. Puhalla of Youngstown; her father, Nicholas Velichko of Youngstown; her two brothers, Nick (Lori) Velichko of Youngstown and Joe (Brenda) Velichko of Austintown; and her two sisters, Julie (James) Gonzales of Akron and Cindy Velichko of Struthers.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Betty Lou Velichko.

Family and friends may call on Thursday, June 19, 2014, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Thompson-Filicky Funeral Home, 4221 Market St., Boardman.

Please visit www.thompsonfh1932.com to view this notice and send condolences to the Puhalla family