Deborah Ann Kotradi, known lovingly to many as Debbie, was born on July 4, 1957, in Lorain, OH, and she passed away on May 16, 2026, in Amherst, OH, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, determination, and a life lived with purpose. She is preceded in death by her mother, Mary Kish, father Paul Csubak, and sister Pauline (Csubak) Akossi. She is survived by her loving husband, Randy Kotradi, daughter Christine Meyer, sisters Patricia Zimmerman, Mary-Jane Csubak, Joyce Mintzer, brother Thomas Csubak, grandchildren Alexis, Sarah, Alexis, and Rachel, and great-grandchildren Olivia, James, Cameron, and last but not least, her dog Leah.

Debbie moved through the world with a spirit that encouraged others to stand tall, keep going, and find beauty in each new day. She was the kind of person who understood that life is not measured only by the years we are given, but by the courage, kindness, and joy we bring to those years. Her presence carried a steady strength, and her smile often reminded others that even in difficult seasons, there is always a reason to keep believing in the goodness of life.

She was a woman who valued hard work, resilience, and community. Debbie devoted part of her working life to Lorain Products, where she brought reliability, dedication, and a strong sense of responsibility. She understood the dignity of honest work and the importance of showing up with integrity. In every role she held, she left the impression of someone who gave her best and expected the same from herself.

Debbie was a devout Catholic, and her faith was an important part of the way she lived. It was reflected not only in what she believed, but in how she treated others. She carried herself with grace, and she met life with a quiet confidence rooted in hope. Her faith helped her navigate the hills and valleys of life, and it gave her the strength to keep moving forward with courage and gratitude. She lived in a way that reminded others that faith is not only spoken, but also demonstrated through patience, compassion, and perseverance.

She found joy in the world around her, especially in the outdoors. Hiking and spending time in nature gave her a sense of peace and renewal. She appreciated the simple, powerful gifts of fresh air, open skies, and the beauty of the earth. Traveling also brought her happiness, as did wine, gardening, and the music of John Denver, whose songs matched the spirit of freedom and reflection she cherished. Her cottage in Michigan was a special place to her, a place where memories were made, quiet moments were treasured, and life could be enjoyed at a gentler pace. Those who knew Debbie understood that she did not merely pass through life. She embraced it. She looked for wonder in the everyday and encouraged others to do the same.

Debbie’s interests reflected a woman who knew how to appreciate both adventure and stillness. She loved the outdoors not as a passing hobby, but as a way of life. She understood that nature can restore the soul, that a road trip can refresh the heart, and that a favorite song can lift the spirit. Her life was a reminder that joy is often found in the places where we slow down enough to notice it. She lived with an open heart and a willingness to experience what the world had to offer.

Most of all, Debbie’s love of family outshone everything else. Her family outings at Beaver Marina are legendary, and family get-togethers live on in countless memories and stories of love and laughter.

Those who were fortunate enough to know Debbie will remember her as someone who inspired through example. She did not need grand speeches to make an impact. Her life itself was a message of perseverance, faith, and kindness. She showed that despite being slight of stature, it is possible to face life with strength and remain gentle, to work with determination and still make room for beauty, and to grow older without losing one’s sense of wonder. She embodied the truth that a meaningful life is built one day at a time, with intention and heart.

As we remember Deborah Kotradi, we honor a woman who lived with spirit, gratitude, and conviction. Her story is one of a life well lived, a life that encouraged others to keep climbing, keep believing, and keep finding light along the way. We will all miss her, but in her own words, “this too will pass” as our minds move towards fond memories and away from the pain of loss.

Her memory will continue to speak through the lives she touched, the example she set, and the love she shared. Though she has passed from this life, the strength of her spirit remains. May those who remember her carry forward her love of the outdoors, her appreciation for life’s simple pleasures, and her steadfast belief that every day is an opportunity to live with purpose.