Debra Libby

Debra Libby passed away on April 7, 2026, in Punta Gorda, Florida after a lengthy battle with cancer. She was able to spend her last few weeks with family and friends, sharing memories and many laughs.

Debra was born in Milford, New Hampshire to parents Donald and Nancy Hutchinson. She had fond memories of growing up in rural New Hampshire with her three siblings: Donald, Ronald, and Patricia. After losing both parents at a young age, Debra was adopted by Normand and Martha Corriveau of Nashua, New Hampshire and gained new brothers: Dennis, Kenneth, Edward, and Kevin. In the mid-seventies, Debra wanted to see more of the USA and started to travel. It was at that time in her life she met her dear friend Sarah Purdue. Together their travels took them to Michigan where she met her husband of 47 years, Spencer Libby, while camping in Western Michigan. They married less than a year later in July 1979 at the Church of the Advent in West Bloomfield, Michigan.

The Libbys started their life together in Marquette, Michigan with one of their wedding gifts: a yellow lab named Saywin. After Spencer finished college at Northern Michigan University and a short career in Marquette, they relocated to Union Lake, Michigan where Spencer joined his father in business. Shortly thereafter they moved to White Lake, Michigan and welcomed their wonderful children: Travis, Melissa, and baby Spencer. In 1999 the family moved to Cheboygan, Michigan to start a new career and became an integral part of their new community.

DJ was never one for idle hands. Whether supporting her family as the world’s best homemaker, serving as an aide for the Cheboygan school system, or leading the Cheboygan Ski Club to Nubs Nob every week, she was constantly active. Mrs. Libby could always be found at the Middle School and High School helping with basketball, track, or softball fields, running Melissa and friends from sport to sport, season after season. Debra and family hosted numerous foreign exchange students from around the world, fed more mouths than anyone can count, and carried love and generosity with every step.

Debra supported Spencer in operating Wheeler Motors for 26 years, assisting the business and employees daily. She was always making baked goods, arranging parties, buying supplies, and always helped keep everyone in good spirits. In her presence, you were always in good company.

Debra was preceded in death by her parents Nancy and Donald Hutchinson, adopted parents Martha and Norman Corriveau, marital parents Spencer and Margaret Libby, brother Ron Hutchinson, brother Ken Corriveau and her son Spencer Sheldon Libby.

She is survived by her husband Spencer Libby, son Travis (Amber) Libby, daughter Melissa (Beau) Nordberg, granddaughter Charlotte LaJoye, grandsons Darwin and Montgomery Libby, her favorite grandpup Martini Nordberg, and so many friends and family all over the world.

Deb always made sure people felt important and knew she was thinking of them. She is a shining example of an exceptional wife, wonderful mother, grandmother, friend, and every other role she played.

Debra Jean Libby will be sorely missed by many.

A celebration of Deb’s wonderful life will be held this summer in Cheboygan for family and friends. Debra and her family would be honored to have any donations in her name sent to her favorite charities: Little Traverse Conservancy, the Cheboygan County Humane Society, or McLarens Kim Monthei Breast Cancer Awareness Fund.