Deborah A. (Houle) Koenig

HOLDEN - Deborah A. Koenig, 53, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 4, 2015 in the presence of her loving family at UMass Memorial Medical Center, University Campus in Worcester. Born in Southbridge and raised in Oxford, Deb was the daughter of Ronald P. and Roetta (Allard) Houle and lived 28 years in Holden.

She leaves her husband and best friend of 30 years, Bruce S. Koenig, Sr.; their daughters, Lindley M. Koenig and Lauren E. Koenig of Holden, and step-son, Bruce S. Koenig, Jr. of Maryland; three brothers, Michael R. Houle of Florida, Marc R. Houle of Nevada and Donald A. Houle of New Jersey; a sister, Monique R. Houle of Massachusetts; a long-time friend since the sixth grade, Theresa M. (Jones) Callahan of Auburn; several grandchildren including Deven and Hunter Koenig.

Deb graduated from Oxford High School in 1979. She later received her bachelor's degree from Anna Maria College and a master's degree from Springfield College. Deb dedicated her career to caring for Elders, Mental Health patients and substance abuse clients. She passionately embraced her work and will be remembered by her co-workers and clients for her intelligence, warmth and kindness.

Deb was considered the “project manager" at home. Once a home renovation was close to completion, she was already planning her next project with the expectation of full family participation. In her spare time, Deb could be found sewing, card making, taking weekend road trips with friends and family, or maintaining her thriving vegetable garden.

She was a devoted wife, mother, sister and friend. Deb was a strong woman, stubborn at times, gentle but direct and had an amazing sense of humor. She taught her daughters the importance of family, kindness, tolerance, generosity, forgiveness and love. Her contagious smile and inviting spirit will be missed by those who were graced to have known her.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Deb's family from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden followed by a funeral service celebrating her life at 4 p.m. In honoring Deb's request, anyone wishing to make donations, may either register with the National Marrow Donor Program, www.bethematch.org , donate blood and platelets to UMass Blood Donor Center, 55 Lake Ave. North, Worcester, MA 01655, or make donations to the Adam Bullen Memorial Foundation, 24 Charlton Street, Oxford, MA 01540. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please sign the guestbook on this page.