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Debra (Debbie) Anne Robertson
Date of Death: September 9, 2026
Tribute
On September 9th, 2026, our Deb closed her eyes for the last time, peacefully within the arms of her family. This ended an arduous five-year journey with cancer that was fought with courage, grace and dignity.
She is survived by her husband of 54 years Doug, daughter Jennaya (Paul), grandchildren Mitchell and Ashlyn, her mother Vera, sisters Lynn Wilkinson (Gord) and Vicki Martin, sisters-in-law Vivian Weldon, Carol Boan and brother-in-law Darrell Robertson (Wendy), along with many nieces, nephews and extended family.
Predeceased by her beloved son, Grady; father, Harold Painter and stepfather, Harry Waring.
Deb spoiled her extended family with unconditional love and devotion. She was a forever child of the Cowichan Valley, born at Kings Daughters Hospital in Duncan on June 14, 1952. She graduated from Cowichan High in 1970 and received her nursing diploma from Malaspina College in Nanaimo.
Deb was a consummate caregiver. Her nursing career was cut short in 1982 when she devoted herself to caring for her son Grady, who lived with Muscular Dystrophy. Her passion for caring for others continued throughout her life, including her work with the school district supporting children with special needs.
Deb exuded kindness, gentleness, love and compassion, all while bringing joy to those around her with her luminous smile. She had a way of making people feel safe, loved, and cared for.
Debbie loved crafting and was a masterful costume creator. She loved camping, reading, puzzles and all things Christmas – her favorite time of year. She and Doug took great joy in supporting their children and grandchildren in all their sporting and artistic ventures.
Travel also played a big part in Deb and Doug’s lives. Together with Viv, Lynn, Gord and Vicky, they travelled extensively, making wonderful memories throughout Europe, Africa, South America, China, the Caribbean, Mexico and numerous cruises.
Deb had a special place in her heart for her longtime friends Debbie, Jan and Doug. You guys were so dear to her.
Debbie also proudly supported her father and Doug throughout their more than 50 years of service in the Duncan Fire Department, and the firehall family helda very special place in her heart. To Deb, family was everything – wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, sister, auntie, cousin and friend. She gave so much of herself to the people she loved, and we feel incredibly blessed to have
shared her life.
A very special and heartfelt thank you to Dr. Suilven MacGregor and the wonderful, caring staff, volunteers and Palliative Support Team at Cowichan Hospice House.
Deb leaves behind a lifetime of love, memories and people whose lives were made brighter simply because she was in them.
A gathering for family and friends will be held at a later date.
Condolences
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From: H.W. Wallace Cremation & Burial Centre
H.W. Wallace Cremation & Burial Centre staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Anne Roth
Relation: A friend and a ex neighbor
Deb will be dearly missed , a great lady
From: Deborah Bradford
Relation: Friend
Oh Jennaya. I am so sorry to see this. Much love, hugs and all the feels for you and your family. Nothing I can say will make it better. However, I understand. Hugs and love.
From: Deborah Youngman Prangley
Relation: Worked together and knew family alittle growing up
I am so very sorry and saddened to hear this. I knew Deb thru working within the School District.
Deb seemed foremost a beautiful
, gentle, thoughtful and kind soul. Family was importantly everything to her . A sad loss, but was lucky to have known her RIP lovely lady
From: Brenda Carlson
Relation: Friend
Debbie was such a nice person, genuinely nice. She was going through a lot herself but always remembered to ask how others were doing. My condolences to family and friends in this very sad time.
From: Patrick Robertson
Relation: Nephew
Our deepest condolences to Doug and Jennaya and Debbie’s whole family. We have such wonderful memories of Debbie and all the wonderful times we spent together over the years. All our love, Patrick and Loie Robertson
From: Pauline Jackson
Relation: Duncan Fire Department members and in community.
We send our deepest sympathies to you both Doug and Jennaya . We always will remember Debra with her caring ways and her beautiful personality.
From: Carrie Neubauer
Relation: friend
Dear Doug, we just learned of the passing of your beloved Debbie. We are so sorry for your loss, Much love, Rick and Carrie
From: Paul Marsonette
Relation: Same graduating class
Condolences to all of Deb’s family and friends, especially Deb’s mother whom I worked with at Simpson Sears many years ago.
From: Gary and Glynis EVe
Relation: Friend for many decades
Gary and I send our deepest condolences to you and your Family. Debbie was always a kind and caring friend and generous person who made a great impact on our lives during our time in fire service and the Mesachie community. She will be missed greatly. Love and hugs to everyone whose lives she touched in her own special way. With love from The Eve Family.
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Floral Tributes may be ordered at:
Blooms at 49th Parallel – 778-422-0262
Floral Bar at Party Mood – www.floralbar.ca or 250-701-3151
Floral Department at Thrifty Foods – http://floral.thriftyfoods.
When ordering please have the name of the deceased, the date of the funeral service and the Funeral Home information.
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