Deborah J. Sunkenberg

On February 13, 2024, Deborah Jean Sunkenberg, wife, mother, and friend to many, succumbed to her 20-year battle with cancer.  Her battle was not easy, but she fought to the very end, demonstrating the tenacity and zest for life that guided her through her 71 years enjoying all of Gods gifts.

 

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Henry; her daughter Cheryl Omenhiser, who was not only her daughter but also her dear friend, son-in-law, Roger, and their twin children Ethan and Evelyn; stepson Michael Sunkenberg (Erica); sister, Gail Opie (Robert); brothers Robert Zimmerman (Linda) and Wayne Taylor (Debbie); and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.  

 

Debby, as she liked to be called, was born at the Kenmore Mercy Hospital in Tonawanda, NY on August 21, 1952, to Gerald and Beatrice Taylor of Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada.  She grew up in Fort Erie, graduated from the Fort Erie Secondary School, and then moved to the United States, where she graduated from the State University of New York at Buffalo. 

 

Following college and a brief marriage, she moved to Norwood, MA with her young daughter to take a training position at the Howard Johnson’s corporation.  From there she joined Follett Bookstores to provide training at its many locations throughout the US.  She finished her career as a Training and IT manager at the Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, retiring early due to a serious health issue.

 

Church, charity, and outreach were always important to Debby.  She used her boundless energy and creative talents to organize neighborhood, charity, and fund-raising activities; support church development and community youth groups; and help friends and neighbors whenever called upon.

 

She spent her final years with her husband traveling through Europe and enjoying life in sunny Bradenton Florida, where she pursued golf with a passion.  Although she admitted she wasn’t very good, she made many new friends on the links, which brought much joy to her life. 

 

In the end, it was meeting new people, helping those she could, and bringing joy to others - that was her true calling in life.  Her legacy of kindness and joy will surely continue in heaven!