Deborah Treuhaft Blake, age 75, passed away peacefully at her home in Toledo with her husband of 25 years, Ron Berente, by her side on Saturday, April 22. She was born on March 19, 1948, in Toledo to the late James and Marian Blake. Deborah attended McAuley and Bowsher High schools in Toledo, class of 1966. Deborah was a paralegal and an entrepreneur. She and her late husband Phil Treuhaft raised their daughter in Port Clinton (Catawba Island) where she had founded an upscale women’s boutique called “Deborah’s.”

She was passionate about downtown revitalization and led many initiatives in town including the addition of trees lining the downtown streets. As a president and long-time member of the Port Clinton Women’s Club she raised funds and put a beautiful brick retaining wall along the lake on Perry Street. Deborah was the President of the Magruder Hospital Auxiliary and co-chaired many wonderful charity balls. She believed the best way to meet new people was to throw a party. She was a fierce entertainer and will always be remembered for her epic St. Patrick’s Day parties on Catawba Island. She was an avid snow and water skier and taught almost every kid in the neighborhood how to water ski. She was known for her exquisite taste in interior design and inspired many projects with her creative eye. She was also active in the Port Clinton DECA chapter where she employed students and mentored them in business practices.

After selling her successful business Deborah moved back to Toledo and worked as a paralegal helping clients with Workers’ Compensation claims. Deborah enjoyed spending time with her siblings and cousins and dear friends especially while dining on Greek food. Deborah retired and moved to Florida with her husband Ron Berente and enjoyed living on the water and year-round sunshine. Deborah took advantage of her sunny location to take her grandchildren on many exciting adventures including Disneyland, Lego Land, Pirate Ships, to see Alligators in the Everglades and to see the dolphins jump the boat wake. Last summer, Deborah moved back to Ohio to be closer to her family and her grandchildren. She was a devoted mother to her only daughter Gretchen (Treuhaft) Schmidt. Deborah loved fiercely and was a life-long friend to many through her generosity and open door.

She will be greatly missed by her husband Ron Berente of Toledo, daughter Gretchen (George) of Mason; grandchildren Blake, Collin, Kyle, Ryan, Patrick Fleming, and step-children Amy (Greg) Wagoner, Sherry (Craig) Crockett, Paul (Sandi) Berente, along with her sisters Pam (Sam) Maccabee, Molly (Rocky) Geiser, brother Michael Blake, loving nieces and nephews, cousins, and step-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her sister Christine Boyle.

A celebration of life will be held at St. Patrick Church, 4201 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo, on May 31, at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow. To leave memories or condolences, visit https://www.toledocremation.com/obituaries/Deborah-Blake?obId=27793231#/obituaryInfo.