Deborah Lynn Strykowski

Debbie was born at Highland Park General Hospital on August 12th, 1950 in Highland Park, Michigan, the oldest daughter of Donald and Eva (Hall) Jones. She grew up in the suburbs of Detroit and enjoyed horseback riding and camping with her parents and sister, Carol. She was also active in her church youth group. Debbie graduated from Thurston High School in Redford Township in 1968.

Debbie became a registered nurse after high school and worked in the emergency room at Henry Ford Hospital and Botsford Hospital before marrying Robert Breckenfeld and moving to Milford, Michigan. She was a faithful mother and wife, staying home to care for their four children for many years. Debbie greatly enjoyed her time with friends in the Milford community, and at First Baptist Church of Milford, where her faith in Jesus grew.

Debbie was her children’s (and later her grandchildren’s) biggest fan, always supporting them at their many sports and music events. Her twelve-passenger van made countless trips around the greater Detroit area and northern Michigan, as she took her kids and their friends to the roller rink, the swimming hole at Camp Dearborn, and to Lake Ann for summer camp, always making a stop at McDonald’s on the way. She also loved taking adventures with her kids later on, whether it was traveling to New York City or Germany with one of her children’s choirs, or visiting her son or a daughter in North Carolina, Ohio, California, South Korea, or the Philippines.

Debbie continued care-giving after her first marriage ended. She worked at Milford Country Day Care for ten years, efficiently keeping “her babies” on their schedules. In 2008, she was reunited with her high school sweetheart Carey Strykowski, with whom she attended church and the high school prom. They were married in October of 2011.

After marrying, Debbie and Carey began their new life together in Zeeland. They enjoyed visiting local eateries, going to Michigan State basketball games, traveling and visiting Carey’s family out of state. Debbie enjoyed meeting people at their church, Victory Point of Holland, and also made many new friendships through Bible Study Fellowship, Body and Soul Fitness, and events at Evergreen Commons, where she regularly played Scrabble and Penuchle and was known as “the candy lady”.

In the summer of 2022, Debbie developed an aggressive sarcoma and bravely endured treatments for many months. She enjoyed time with her husband, children, grandchildren, sister, and several friends throughout this time.

Debbie will be remembered for the support she extended to others in need, the gifts and candy she loved to share, her encouraging cards covered in stickers or text messages signed off with countless emojis, and her positive attitude and reliance on the Lord throughout different struggles she faced. She loved life and lived it to the full.

Debbie was preceded in death by: her father and mother, Don and Eve Jones. She is survived by: her husband, Carey Strykowski; children, Jill (Ben) Thompson, Jane (Anthony) Breckenfeld Racuya, John (Jimin Yoo) Breckenfeld, Joyce (Nick) Rundlett; step-children, Amanda (Scottie) Blackburn, Adam (Ashley) Strykowski; sister, Carol (Tim) Carr; four nieces, one nephew, and twenty-one grandchildren.

The family will welcome friends and family for visitation on Sunday, February 5th from 5:00-8:00 pm at Lakeshore Memorial Services in Holland, Michigan. A funeral service will be held on Monday, February 6th at 11:00 am at Victory Point Church in Holland, Michigan, with visitation beginning at 10:00 am. Memorial contributions can be made in honor of Debbie to Victory Point Church or Compassion International.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lakeshorememorial.com for the Strykowski family.