1952 - 2026
Born in Boston in 1952, Deb grew up in Hudson and graduated high school in 1970. She earned her degree in mathematics from Framingham State College before becoming a math teacher. She married the love of her life, Francis X. Small, in 1985, and together they raised their daughters in Milford.
After taking nine years away from teaching to stay home with her children, Deb returned to the classroom at Milford High School, where she became a beloved math teacher.
Deb loved traveling the world with Fran, her daughters, and dear friends, with Aruba and Italy among her favorite destinations. She also cherished family time at Mayflower Beach in Dennis. An avid reader, host, and talented cook, Deb expressed her love through food and will especially be remembered for her famous whoopie pies.
Above all, family was the center of Deb’s life. She hosted Sunday dinners for nearly 30 years and treasured time with her daughters, whether over morning coffee, at the nail salon, or on shopping trips. Her greatest joy was being “Noni” to her six grandchildren, Nathan, Callen, Abigail, Charlie, Quinn, and Alexandria.
Deb is survived by her husband, Fran; daughters Elizabeth and Scott Savage of Hopedale, Caitlyn and Neal Sherman of Hopkinton, and Cathleen Desmond and Moses Goncalves of Hopedale; six grandchildren; sister-in-law Mary Small; brother-in-law Thomas Small; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. She was predeceased by her brother, Patrick “Flagg” Colaluca.
The family extends special thanks to Caryn Fortini, Countryside Memory Care Unit, and Hands & Hearts Hospice for their care and support.
Visiting hours will be held Tuesday, October 20th, from 5 to 7 PM at Edwards Memorial Funeral Home, located at 44 Congress Street in Milford. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 21st at 10 AM at the funeral home, followed by burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Milford.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Milford Daily Bread Food Pantry, P.O. Box 122, Milford, MA 01757.
