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DEBORAH LEE KERNESTED
Born: Dec 22, 1957
Date of Passing: Nov 26, 2025
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
DEBORAH LEE KERNESTED
It is with profound sadness that we announce Deborah Kernested passed away in her home on November 26, 2025. Her life journey ended far too early at the age of 67 after a courageous battle with cancer over the past year.
Deborah was born on December 22, 1957 and raised in Teulon, Manitoba. She was predeceased by her beloved father, Herb; and brother Doug. Deb is mourned by her mother Rhoda; sister Carla; niece Anastasia Pindera; nephew Erik Pindera (Jessica Eblie); partner Ali Taghvai; and dear friend Cheryl Ridley.
Strong, outspoken and determined, Deb was also renowned for her beautiful, signature red hair and an absolutely fabulous sense of style in fashion and home decor. Deb developed and maintained countless friendships and will be remembered for her warmth, generosity and good humour. She will forever be "Auntie Deb" to the many children whose lives she touched with her love and genuine interest in spending time with them.
Her studies and work as a registered nurse led to her true calling as a writer and organizer extraordinaire. In 1989, Deborah moved to Toronto to create the first edition of Well Beings, Canada's definitive guide to health and safety in child care. Despite her love of living in the big city, she returned to Winnipeg in 1996 to work as a technical writer and developer of medical software and, more importantly, to be close to her little niece and nephew. Most recently, she was a senior clinical analyst at CancerCare Manitoba, where she retired in 2024. For nearly three decades, Deborah has shaped the knowledge of many early childhood educators as the co-author of the celebrated textbook, Healthy Foundations in Early Childhood Settings.
We are grateful to family physician Dr. Sharon Frechette and the many health care professionals, colleagues and friends at CancerCare for their care, comfort and support.
A photo biography honouring Deborah’s life is accessible through the 'tributes' link below.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on December 22, 2025 at 603 Wellington Crescent. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Deborah’s name to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation or Harvest Manitoba.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 06, 2025
Condolences & Memories (3 entries)
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On behalf of the WGH/HSC Nurses Alumni Association we extend our sincere condolences to Deborah’s family and friends on her recent passing. She was a much loved classmate of the 1979 graduating class. Living in residence she made many friends and is remembered for her striking red hair, her boisterous laugh, and upbeat personality. She was thoughtful of others and a joy to be around. She excelled as a nurse and writer and improved the lives of many during her careers. She will be missed by family, friends, and her nursing colleagues. - Posted by: Carol Galbraith (Friendship Convenor, Winnipeg General Hospital/Health Sciences Centre Nurses Alumni Association) on: Dec 07, 2025
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Dear Carla, I'm so sorry for your loss. Your sister has had a strong influence on ECEs and their education. I'm sure you will miss her very much. - Posted by: Ruth Lindsey-armstrong (Family friends) on: Dec 06, 2025
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Carla, I am so sorry to hear that you have lost your sister. She had an interesting life and will be missed by many, no doubt. My condolences to you and your mother. - Posted by: Barbara Fisher (Friend) on: Dec 06, 2025
