DUFF
DEBORAH ANNE DUFF (nee Reiter), beloved wife of Douglas Duff of Hillcrest, Crowsnest Pass, Alberta, passed away at the St. Michael’s Palliative Care Unit in Lethbridge, Alberta on Saturday, June 2, 2012 at the age of 59 years.
Besides her loving husband, she is survived by Dalainee Duff and her daughter Madison Glover of Sparwood, BC. and Brandee Duff and her two children Colby Burns and Emmerson Duff-Meadows of Sparwood, BC.
She is also survived by her parents Michael and Anne Reiter, Siblings Gregg (Doreen) Reiter, Kim (Erlinda) Reiter, Donna (Bruce) Haynes, Michele (Dave) Koethler, Michael (Carole) Reiter, Roxanne (Dan) Mackenzie, Yvonne Reiter, Yvette (Michael) MacLachlan, Brad Reiter and families, Roberta Howlett, Robert (Doreen) Duff and families.
She was predeceased by grandparents Marie and Michael Schroh, Elizabeth and Walter Reiter, Many Uncle and Aunts, Goddaughter and niece Laci-Anne Powell, niece Melodie Hall,nephew John Michael MacLachlan, brothers-in-law Gordon Duff and John Howlett, mother and father-in-law Lily and Charles Duff.
Debbie was born in Edmonton, Alberta on June 23, 1952 to Michael and Anne Reiter where they resided for 2 years. In 1954, the family moved to Scott, Saskatchewan where her father had taken on a new job. When Debbie (known by family and friends) was 11 years old she moved to the Reiter family homestead in Luseland, Saskatchewan. She had many fond memories of growing up during these years as she often recalled them with her family. Then in 1967, the family moved to Swift Current, Saskatchewan where Debbie completed her schooling, began her first jobs and helped with the care of her 9 brothers and sisters at home. Debbie loved her parents and siblings very much and enjoyed taking part in all their lives.
In 1967, Debbie also met the man she knew she was going to marry one day. Douglas Duff came into her world and forever changed it and on June 27, 1970 the two soul mates were married in Swift Current, Saskatchewan. They started their married life off in Calgary, Alberta for 3 years visiting family, making friends and making their way in the world. In 1973, Doug got a job in Sparwood BC. and they called Sparwood home for 26 years. During these years, they welcomed their pride and joys, Dalainee Bree and Brandee Jolayne. Doug and Debbie were very active in their daughter’s lives and made sure they were full in all aspects. There are many moments to recall, much happiness, much joy and always making family come first. On July 5, 1995 another highlight for the family happened. The first grandchild, Colby James MaCrae, was born. This brought a whole new world of Love to Debbie – being a Grandma. Then in 2000 the first granddaughter was born, Madison Averee, she was ecstatic as Madison arrived on Debbie and Doug’s 30thwedding anniversary and always referred to her as their “present”. Debbie and Doug enjoyed spending time with their children, grandchildren going camping, travelling, cheering on their hockey stars at all the hockey games and shaking her famous “cow bells”.
In 2007, the family was blessed with another granddaughter, Emmerson Bree. Debbie’s princess had arrived and had a passion for the clothes, dollies, and dishes. Her world was complete with 3 such unique grandchildren whom she loved with all her heart.
Then a decision came to move in 1999 and Doug and Debbie moved to the Crowsnest Pass and resided in Hillcrest. This was one of their dreams as they moved closer to retirement and they enjoyed the many new friends they have come to know in making this small town their new home.
Debbie was such a social person and enjoyed her many jobs she had throughout her life. In her teen years she worked as a Car Hop at A&W, worked as a sales associate at many different locations but her favorite was the Dollar Store. Debbie had recently become a caregiver for the Mountain View Industries and enjoyed working with her clients as they were more like family.
Debbie’s family would like to thank the wonderful and caring staff at St. Michael’s Palliative Care Unit for their care and compassion during her time there. As well we would like to thank Debbie’s family doctor, Dr. Botha for all his care and attention to her needs.
In lieu of flowers, Debbie’s family wishes to donate in her memory to St. Michael’s Foundation, Attention Palliative Care Unit, 1400 – 9 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4V5.
A Prayer Service will be held at The Palliser Regional Care Centre South Solarium, 440 Central Avenue South, Swift Current, Saskatchewan on June 8, 2012 at 2:00 PM.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at Rivercrest Cemetery in Sparwood, BC. on June 14, 2012 at 1:00 PM. A luncheon to follow at St. Michael’s Catholic Hall.
Cremation to follow at Rivercrest Cemetery, Sparwood, BC.
Funeral arrangements by Cherished Memories Funeral Service (John Gawryluk), 891-4 Ave, Fernie, BC.
Honoured to serve the family, CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1.
Telephone 403-381-7777. E-mail: care@cornerstonefh.ca