Deborah Zarr

With a heart as warm as the cookies she baked and a love that wrapped around her family like the Afghan blankets she crocheted, Deborah Zarr lived a life defined by kindness, devotion, and simple joys. Born on June 7, 1958, to the late Kenneth and Gloria, Deborah's life was a beautiful testament to love, laughter, and the bonds of family.
A proud graduate of Southfield High School's Class of 1976, Deborah's most important title wasn't written on a diploma it was a Nana. She was a cherished member of the World's Best Nana Club, a badge she wore with pride as she filled her grandchildren, Lucas and Ellie, with warmth, stories, and traditions. Watching White Christmas every year, singing along with Mickey Mouse, and enjoying Bluey were not just pastimes but cherished rituals, creating memories her family will treasure forever.
For 31 years, she shared a deep and loving partnership with her husband, Jeffrey, building a life filled with laughter and unwavering support. Their love story began while working at Southfield Public Schools, a bond that only grew stronger with time. She was also incredibly close with her sister-in-law, Tracy Smith, a relationship filled with love and friendship.
Deborah found joy in life's simple pleasures - gardening, crafting intricate diamond art, and unwinding in the hot tub with the grandchildren. Her love for animals was boundless, and her home was always filled with the warmth of both family and four-legged friends. But perhaps most famously, she had a magic touch when it came to chocolate chip cookies -consistently the best, just like her.
Down-to-earth and deeply family-oriented, Deborah was the heart of every gathering, the one who made sure everyone was taken care of, the one who could turn a house into a home. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and traditions that will live on through those who were lucky enough to be loved by her.
Her story doesn't end here - her love continues in every Christmas movie watched, every warm cookie shared, and every snuggle with a grandchild who adored her beyond words.
Deborah is survived by her loving husband, Jeffrey Zarr; dear daughter, Rebecca (Nicklas Krzyskowski) Mamula; adored grandchildren, Lucas, Ellie, and one on the way.
A memorial gathering will take place on Saturday, March 8, at the Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home, with guests invited from 2 – 8 pm, with a memorial service starting at 7 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Detroit Dog Rescue, to further honor Deborrah's life.
Please keep Deborah and her family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.