Deborah C. (Colaluca) Small

Deborah Colaluca Small, age 74, of Milford passed on October 16, 2026 after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease.

Deb was born in Boston in 1952 to Patrick and Jacqueline (Sheppard) Colaluca. She grew up in Hudson, MA where she graduated high school in 1970 and then attended Framingham State College where she attained her degree in mathematics before becoming a math teacher.

Deb married the love of her life, Francis X. Small, in 1985. Together, they raised their daughters in Milford. Deb took a break from teaching and stayed home with her girls for nine years before returning to teach at Milford High School, where she was a beloved math teacher.

Deb loved traveling the world with Fran, her girls, and dear friends. She especially enjoyed trips to Aruba and Italy and cherished time on Mayflower Beach in Dennis with her family.

She was an avid reader, host, and cook. Deb regularly expressed her love through food, and while she made many excellent meals she'll forever be remembered for her whoopie pies.

More than anything else, Deb loved time with family. She hosted Sunday dinners for nearly 30 years, a tradition that continues to this day. She spent time with her daughters often, enjoying quiet mornings over coffee, visits to the nail salon, or shopping trips. Deb's greatest joy was her grandchildren. She was the most kind, most patient, and most loving Noni to the kids. She saw at least one of them almost every day and showered them with her love.

Deb is survived by her husband, Fran, her daughters and their partners Elizabeth and Scott Savage of Hopedale, Caitlyn and Neal Sherman of Hopkinton, and Cathleen Desmond and Moses Goncalves of Hopedale. She leaves her six cherished grandchildren: Nathan, Callen and Abigail Savage, Charlie and Quinn Desmond, and Alexandria Sherman. She will also be missed by sister-in-law Mary Small, brother-in-law Thomas Small, and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends. Deb was pre-deceased by her brother Patrick "Flagg" Colaluca.

The family gives special thanks to Caryn Fortini for her loving companionship in the last year and to Countryside Memory Care Unit and Hands & Hearts Hospice for their attentive care for both Deb and her family over the last month.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday (October 21st) at 10:00am at the Edwards Memorial Funeral Home, 44 Congress Street, Milford MA. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Milford MA. Visiting hours will be held Tuesday (October 20th) from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at the Edwards Memorial Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Milford Daily Bread Food Pantry, P O Box #122, Milford MA 01757.