Debra Jo McMurray, Age 68, of East Tawas, Michigan, passed away surrounded by love and family on October 4, 2023. Debra was born in Tawas City on July 29, 1955 to John and Elaine McMurray. She attended St. Helens and Zilwaukee Schools in Saginaw and graduated from Tawas Area High School in 1973. She married Thomas O. Smyczynski and quickly started a family and together raised three sons for 27 years. Her sons Jassen, Ryan and Chadwick quickly became her total focus in her life. She was a “Blue Ribbon Mom”, who cared deeply and participated in all phases of their lives.
She had a loving bond with her grandchildren, Dalton and Saylor that is beyond words. Last year she was blessed with her first great grandchild, sweet Maggie and they shared an instant connection. Debra loved the little ones, like her special great nephew Charlie that visited often and her niece Olivia that was like a second granddaughter. Attention, love and support was always given by Debra. She was everyone’s go to person, to listen to and give advice. She was more than a mom or grandma. She was more than a daughter or sister. She was a best friend to everyone in the family and she will be deeply missed and always loved.
Debra enjoyed any work she did over the years. Her skills working in Human Resources was a natural while at Carquest and Durolast. She cared about people, fairness and opportunity in the workplace and could plan great parties for the employees. She paid great attention to detail in everything she did. Debra retired from Nexteer as a Line leader in 2015. Yet, she never truly retired when she moved back to East Tawas and helped the family in every way. Debra was unselfish, instead always doing for others, assisting in every way and giving of her own time, freely and unconditionally. She believed it was the little things in life that mattered. We called her our “Project Manager”, she knew how to get the job done!
Debra enjoyed hunting, fishing, scrapbooking, sewing, cooking, playing cards, attending concerts and gaming.
Debra is survived by her sons, Jassen O. Smyczynski, Chadwick T. Smyczynski (Kristi Filary); mother, Elaine McMurray, brothers, Brian (Elaine) McMurray, Craig McMurray (Heather Wight); sister, Karen (Eric) Haglund; grandchildren, Dalton Smyczynski, Saylor Smyczynski, great grandchild, Magnolia Packard – Smyczynski; nieces and nephews, Jonathan McMurray, Joseph McMurray, Matthew (Brandee) McMurray, Angela (Andrew) Switalski, Paul Grimaldi, Karri (Jenny) Haglund, Olivia Wight – McMurray plus many great nieces and nephews, a step grandson Blake Everette and Thomas O. Smyczynski, the father of Debra’s children. Debra is preceded in death by her son, Ryan Smyczynski , father John McMurray, brother Mark McMurray, sister Gail Grimaldi, brother in-law Philip Grimaldi.
Per Debra’s wishes cremation has taken place and her remains will be buried by her son Ryan in Greenwood Cemetery in East Tawas, Michigan on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 11:00 AM. The family will receive friends and family for a casual luncheon at the Tawas Area Elks, at noon, following the burial service for a celebration of life. Memorial contributions may be made to the McMurray family wishes. Condolences may be shared at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com.
Obituary lovingly written by the family.
