It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Debbie Stockburn on January 19, 2022, at the age of 69 years.

 

Debbie is survived by her son Lance and his wife Leona; grandchildren, Nathan (Ania), Natasha (Anthony), Kalvin (Caitllin), Alexandra (Manny), Benjamin, and Hanna; and great-grandchild Jaden; brothers, Ron (Joy), Randy, Stephen (Dale), Lindsay; sisters Tracy (Larry),Sherry (Doug) and great-nephew Luke. Also mourning the loss is her dear friend Rudy and his family, Amy, Chris, Brian, Don, Maizey and Shaun. She will also be missed by her dear friends Iona, Gail, Marlene, and Jackie. She was predeceased by her infant daughter Brandy; parents, George and Shirley; her sister Susan and her brother Rick.

 

As a young adult, Debbie worked at the University of Manitoba and Riverview Municipal Hospitals in the food service departments. In 1980, she settled into her lifelong career as an early childhood educator. In her 35 years of being an ECEII, Debbie worked at Lord Roberts Childcare, Riverview Ashland Childcare Centre and Fort Garry Child Care (Henry G Isaac School). Debbie was a mentor to many in this field, as she easily found the balance between being nurturing, kind and “tough”, She will be remembered fondly by the generations of children & families that she cared for.

 

 

Debbie was a Riverview girl, through and through. She didn't get her drivers license until her 40's so she would commonly be seen riding her lime green bike around the neighbourhood. Debbie had fond memories of spending time with her many friends at Johnny G’s & Aldolfo’s and could be found every morning having breakfast at Woo’s Cafe. Debbie always kept a pristine yard and enjoyed gardening. Later in life, she loved her Fairy Garden and was most proud of her “She Shed”.

 

More than once Debbie has been described as a person unlike any other. She was a complete humanitarian never letting anyone suffer and always willing to help someone in need. Debbie was always upbeat, full of bright conversations and when she was in the room everybody knew it. She had a cackling, joyful laugh that was contagious. She LOVED food, especially desserts and always enjoyed a cup of Earl Grey tea. She loved leopard print anything, visiting Disneyland with her family and later in life, enjoyed her new found freedom as a driver cruising around town in her Honda Element. Debbie loved to spoil her family, she will always be known as an expert shopper, who always found the perfect gift.

 

As bubbly as Debbie was, in tough times, she was a pillar of strength. When her mother Shirley passed away in 1994, Debbie became the matriarch of the family maintaining the strong sibling bonds that continue to the very end of her life. Debbie’s sister-in-law and friend Gail captured Debbie’s role best, when she said Debbie was the glue that held the family together.

 

Finally, the family would like to express their gratitude to Rudy and Amy for their care and support of Debbie during her illness.

 

In accordance with Debbie’s wishes cremation has taken place and a family get together will be held to honour Debbie at a later date.

 

“Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality”

Emily Dickinson