DEBBIE URSULA MCDONALD (WITTENBERG)

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DEBBIE URSULA MCDONALD (nee WITTENBERG) At age 64, on July 2, 2011, surrounded by family, Debbie passed away peacefully in Denver, Colorado after bravely battling cancer. A memorial service was held July 8, 2011 at Cherry Hills Community Church in Denver. She is survived by her husband Graham of 39 years; her children: Brad (Mackenzie) and Laura; grandchildren: Emerson and Fletcher; parents: William and Elfriede; mother-in-law Elsie; sister Betty-Ann; brothers: Herb (Marilyn) and Eric (Glennis). Debbie grew up in Winnipeg where she earned her Arts and Special Education degrees at the University of Manitoba and met her husband, Graham. Prior to starting her own family, she indulged her passion for children by teaching kindergarten and first grade for 12 years. In 1980 she moved to Denver, Colorado with Graham and two-year-old son Bradley. Two years later daughter Laura joined the family. Brad and his wife Mackenzie blessed Debbie with two wonderful grandchildren: Emerson (3) and William Fletcher (1), giving her the opportunity to be the Best Grammy Ever. Debbie had a remarkable zest for life, infectious to all. Her giving and selfless nature impacted the lives of everyone she encountered. We will miss her dearly, but the wonderful memories, love, and her spirit will remain in our hearts forever. Should anyone so desire, donations in memory of Debbie may be made to the cancer research fund that was close to her heart. It is because of this type of research that we had Debbie for an additional good year of life after her initial diagnosis. Cheques should be made payable to: Lung Cancer Colorado Fund , mailing address: Attention: Tiffany Caudill, Anschutz Cancer Pavilion, Suite 2004, Mailstop F704, 1665 Aurora Ct., Aurora, CO, 80045.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 23, 2011