Debra Jean (Kolenda) Shabaiash

Debra Jean Shabaiash (Kolenda) was born and raised in Munger, MN. She was the youngest of eight siblings. Deb had graduated Proctor High School and married the love of her life, Russell, Shabiash, at Chambers Grove, MN. Two years after getting married, she had her only child, Morningstar. Russell, and Morningstar lived in Duluth, MN for two years while she worked at the Radisson Hotel. Then the family moved to Mahnomen Road on the Fond Du Lac Reservation just one where Deb really started to bead and sew jewelry, regalia, and quill work with her good friend Orvella. 

They moved to Onamia, MN in 1994 where she became a manager at Subway. Then Deb worked for the Mille Lacs Band for many years as an Archivist. Eventually, she thought it was time to start a business with her husband, so they opened Mystic Bear Restaurant. For four years, Deb and Russ served their favorite dishes made from scratch. Many of the town members came to the restaurant for her frybread. She would make a piece of frybread as big as the plate, lol. After closing the restaurant, they decided to travel to even more powwows. 

Through all the years of moving and working, Deb made certain to continue to bead and sew, live in a good way, and make sure her daughter knew to do the same. Deb was all about her grandchildren, and spent as much time as she could with them telling them stories, teaching them how to make regalia, and passing on her favorite recipes. 

Deb passed away too soon and had many more stories, recipes, sewing tricks, and knowledge to pass on. She was in the end surrounded by her family and loved ones. 

Deb is preceded in death by the love of her life, Russell Shabaiash; mother, Myrnee (Johnson) Kolenda; father, Victor Kolenda; sister, Shirley Kolenda; brother, Donald Kolenda.

Deb is survived by her daughter, Morningstar Goodsky (Harvey Goodsky, Jr.) of East Lake; 10 grandchildren, Ozaawi-Binesii, Vivian, Harvey III, Ishpin, Biizhikens, Ninde, Aanung, Darian, Aanungookwe and Chinoodin; siblings, Janet Chalberg, Myrna Langevin, Dale (Annie) Kolenda, Delano Kolenda and Dennis Kolenda; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A Wake will begin at dusk on Friday, September 25, 2026 at the Sawyer Tribal Community Center, Sawyer and will continue until Ceremonial Rites on Saturday, September 26th at 10 AM.  Burial will be in Solway Cemetery, Solway Township.  Arrangements are with McGregor Funeral Home and Cremation Service, McGregor.

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