Deborah "Deb" Brooks Streeter's Obituary
Deborah “Deb” Brooks Streeter, age 73, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 6, 2025. She was born November 21, 1951 in Muskegon to Laverne and Lois (Brooks) Medendorp. Deb graduated from Reeths-Puffer High School in 1969, received her nursing degree from Muskegon Community College, and then received her bachelor's degree from Rhode Island School of Design. Deb owned and operated Deborah’s Choice Art Galleries in New York and then Muskegon. She was an avid sailor and was captain certified by the US Coast Guard. She worked as a captain for the Muskegon Channel Ferry, transporting people across the channel during the summer months. Deb met her soulmate, Lew, and they married in Las Vegas in 1998. Together, they refurbished a 42-foot Whitby sailboat that they named “Free & Clear”. They sailed and lived for 12 years in Marathon, FL and The Keys. Following the sale of “Free & Clear”, Deb and Lew traveled the country in their motorhome, primarily between Corpus Christi, Texas and Michigan. Deb was a member of the Muskegon Conservation Club and the Holton American Legion Auxiliary. Preceding her in death was her husband, Lew in 2015, her father, Laverne Medendorp in 2018, and her special canine companion and protector Bailey. Survivors include 2 sons, Jeff Newcomb and James Socol; her mother, Lois Medendorp; 1 brother, Michael Medendorp; 1 sister, Barb (Bruce) Brown; special aunts, Linda Bonebrake and Leanor Brooks; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 from 1 to 4 PM at The Vikings Linne Lodge #57, 3132 Lakeshore Drive, Muskegon, MI 49441. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org) or the Children with Special Needs Fund (https://www.michigan.gov/csnfund). Arrangements handled by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444. Sign the online guestbook at https://www.sytsemafh.com
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