DEBRA LYNN SAUNDERS

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DEBRA LYNN SAUNDERS November 11, 1957 - May 2, 2010 On May 2, 2010, with family at her side, Debra Lynn Saunders (nee Kauppila) left this world at the age of 52 after a courageous three year battle with cancer. Debbie was born November 11, 1957 in Eriksdale where she went to school and met her husband to be, Jerry Saunders, at the ripe old age of 15. After graduating she and Jerry bought a home in Winnipeg and were married at the Eriksdale United Church on July 2, 1977. In 1979 they bought a home in Starbuck and their family grew with the birth of their two children Leslie (1979) and Mark (1981). In 1983 Debbie, Jerry and the kids moved back to Eriksdale where Debbie worked part time at the Lucky Dollar store and full time at the family farm. In 1986 the family bought The old Finkle farm and in 1994 started Eriksdale Redi-Mix Concrete. Debbie was the kind of person who tried to make every life she touched better; whether it was lending an ear, playing devil's advocate, or making sure that no child left her house without a toy that would annoy their parents. Debbie was predeceased by her grandson Austin, her grandparents Martti and Eili Kauppila and Stefan and Anna Flinta. Debbie is survived by her husband Jerry; her two children Leslie (Jim) and Mark (Lisa); her granddaughters Madison and Jazmyne; her parents Helen and Larry Kauppila; her brothers and sisters Doreen, Brian (Denise), Lori, Marty (Lee), and Howard; as well as her nieces and nephews, extended family and the long list of kids who called her Auntie Debbie, all of whom were very important to her, but too many to name. The family would like to thank the staff at the Eriksdale Hospital, Grace CancerCare, Ashern Hospital and to all that offered well wishes and hugs through the bad times, and most of all those who shared their lives with Debbie during the good times. A Celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 8, 2010 at the Eriksdale Recreational Center, with Melanie Kauppila officiating. A family interment will be held at the Eriksdale Municipal Cemetery immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Eriksdale Wellness Center, care of the RM of Eriksdale, Box 10, Eriksdale, MB R0C 0W0. Arrangements by: ARNASON FUNERAL HOME Ashern - Lundar 1-204-768-2072 1-866-323-3593

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 05, 2010