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DEBRA ANN MCFADDEN
Debbie McFadden, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026, at the age of 70, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Winnipeg and raised in Calgary, Debbie's life was shaped by her warm spirit, love of family, and care for others.
After completing her nursing training in Calgary, Debbie followed her sense of adventure to Palm Springs, California, where she was one of the first nurses to staff the newly opened ICU at Eisenhower Medical Centre. This experience spoke to the curiosity and vitality that defined her. She later returned to Alberta, married the love of her life, Lee, and together they built a life and family across the country, moving from Edmonton to Slave Lake, then Halifax, and finally to Winnipeg, where she put down roots and made a home that was full of love and laughter.
Debbie’s heart belonged to her family. She was a deeply loving, caring, and present wife to Lee, and mother to Bradley, Elizabeth, Megan, and Michelle. She found tremendous joy in being “Grandma Debbie” to Wesley, Emily, Spencer, Ashton, and Arlen, and loved watching them grow and flourish.
Debbie’s faith was important to her and guided her life and generosity. Debbie gave freely of herself, never waiting to be asked; she simply showed up, ready to help. She was an active and contributing member of the church and her community. As a retired nurse she continued caring for others by volunteering in the NICU at Women’s Hospital cuddling newborns. She had a heart of gold.
Beyond her family, Debbie had a wonderful gift for living fully and enjoying life’s simple pleasures. She loved to travel, stayed active with pilates, and cherished her book club. She had a gift for sewing, making her children dresses and Halloween costumes. Her regular trips to Fabricland were often spent finding the softest materials to create beautiful, handmade blankets for the newborns of her family and friends, that are cherished by all who received them.
Debbie held family traditions close to her heart. Every Christmas, she made sure each grandchild, niece, and nephew received a chocolate Advent calendar. At Easter, she gathered with close family friends to paint eggs, creating lasting memories. These traditions, and so many others, will continue because of her.
Debbie will be remembered for her infectious laugh, her genuine warmth, a glowing smile, beautiful blue eyes, and her unwavering devotion to the people lucky enough to call her family and friends. She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 48 years, Lee; her father, Alban; her four children, Bradley (Megan), Elizabeth, Megan (Daniel), and Michelle (Christian); her five grandchildren, Wesley, Emily, Spencer, Ashton, and Arlen; her siblings, Kim (Rob), Brian (Sandy), Greg (Teresa), and Kari (Garth); and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved mother, Theresa; and her brother, Wayne (Nancy). She is deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.
We would like to thank the nurses of the SICU at Health Sciences Centre, as well as Dr. Funk and Dr. Wtorek for their excellent and compassionate care of Debbie.
A celebration of Debbie’s life will take place at Faith Lutheran Church, 1311 Dakota Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be directed to Villa Rosa, an organization close to Debbie’s heart, at https://www.villarosa.mb.ca/.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 11, 2026
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
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My deepest condolences to Debbie‘s family, she will be sadly missed at our 50 year class reunion this fall. She was always very kind and added a sparkle and laughter to any conversation. Denise (de Beaudrap) Ogrodnick - Posted by: Denise Ogrodnick (H+H classmate) on: Apr 13, 2026
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Over forty years ago I walked into a room full of women. It was my first Y Neighbour meeting. I looked around the room and there was Debbie, this pretty dark haired young Mom with a happy smile. We discovered our children were the same age and over the years we shared interests and activities together. Day trips to the beach, fun on the ice in winter, our children’s sleep overs, parties, cookie bakes and many school activities. Debbie and I forged a lasting friendship and kept it even after we moved away. She will always be a perennial in my garden of lasting friendships. Lee, Brad, Elizabeth, Megan and Michelle, you had THE BEST Wife, Mom and grandma. She loved you, cherished you and was so proud of all of you. She will be forever in your hearts. In sympathy Pat Wilkins Brea, Stacia and Kyla - Posted by: Pat Wilkins (Good Friend) on: Apr 13, 2026
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Dear Dr. McFadden, Brad, Elizabeth, Megan, and Michelle, I was so sad to hear about the passing of Debbie. I was receptionist for your dad for 20 years, and in those 20 years I was fortunate to know your mom. From the parties, spa days, dinners, bowling, gifts - Debbie was always so generous with planning staff events and making sure everyone had a great time. She always had us laughing at so many get togethers, and always had a story or two about you kids, her grandchildren, and of course your dad. It was always lovely to be in her company. I want to offer my deepest and most sincere condolences to you and your family. I am thinking of all of you. Allison, Todd and Ava - Posted by: Allison Abram (Friend) on: Apr 12, 2026
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Debbie had a heart of gold. She loved her family. She was a great gardener and we enjoyed watching her toil over her precious flowers and shrubs. She kept her yard and house in prime condition. She will be missed by all who knew her. - Posted by: Russ & Marlene Muth (Friends and neighbour) on: Apr 11, 2026
