Debbie was born in Grande Prairie, AB and grew up on the family farm
near Bezanson, AB. She attended the Bezanson elementary school and then
Sexsmith for her high school years. After Debbie graduated, she took a
keypunch data operator course in Edmonton, AB, and began working at
Prairie Computing. After being a stay-at-home mom, she worked at the
QEII Hospital in the systems department for over 20 years. Debbie went
on long term disability in 2009 and was diagnosed in 2011 with early
onset Alzheimer’s.
In 1975, Debbie’s friend Marg Fraser (Thibault) set her up on a blind
date with John. Debbie and John married in 1978. They were then blessed
with three children and later, seven grandchildren. Debbie loved to
travel, shop, tend to her flowers and garden, and was active in sports.
She played and coached volleyball and was a scorekeeper for GP Pride
fast ball games. She was also a part of the group that started the GP
mixed volleyball league. Debbie loved to exercise and go for walks,
teaching her hubby to walk fast – no leisure walks. She also attended
the Grande Prairie Alliance Church.
Memorable travels took Debbie and John to Hawaii, California, Florida,
Texas, Arizona, the Netherlands, Costa Rica, Thailand, and Panama, as
well as many family visits to Thunder Bay.
Debbie is survived by her husband John; son Ryan (Chantel); daughter
Angela (Mike) Mohr, grandchildren: Kendyl, Dawson and Rya; daughter Lisa
(Greg) Breukelman, grandchildren: Nora, Parker, Zoe, and Rosie; as well
as brothers Ken and Tom.
She was predeceased by her parents Don and Rose; as well as her
sister-in-law Irene.
Special thanks to the staff at Prairie Lake that cared for Debbie in the
last six years, as well as the caregivers that helped look after her at
home.
A Viewing will be held at Oliver’s Funeral Home on Monday, May 19, 2025,
from 6:00-8:00pm. The interment will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025,
at 10:00am at the Glen Leslie Cemetery (RRd 40, Bezanson), with the
Service and luncheon to follow at 11:00am at Oliver’s Funeral Home
(10005 107 Ave. Grande Prairie).
A Recording of the Service will be posted after the service to the
Oliver’s Funeral Home website at the bottom of Debbie’s obituary.
