DEBRA MARIE

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DEBRA MARIE McLEAN (nee SIMPSON) With great sorrow, after a lengthy illness, Debra Marie passed away with her family at her side on Sunday, March 19, 2000 at St. Boniface General Hospital. Debra was born on June 16, 1953 at St. Boniface Hospital and was the first of four children born to Douglas and Marie Simpson of Transcona. Debbie leaves behind her precious daughter Kristin Lea and her husband Garry McLean, both of Winnipeg. Debbie is also survived by her mother and father, Douglas and Marie Simpson; her brother Gary (Adrienne) nephews, Gary Paul, Sean and niece Rebecca; her brother Blair; her sister Cathy (Russ) niece Melissa and nephew Nicholas of Belair, Man. and her grandmother Florence Simpson (96 years) of Middlechurch. Debbie was predeceased by her grandfather Arthur Simpson; her grandmother Agnes Stewart and her nephew Eric Krawetz. As well as her mother and father-in-law, John and Ida McLean and sister and brother-in-law, Marlene and George. Debbie grew up in Transcona and attended Westview and Regent Park Elementary Schools, John Gunn Junior High and graduated from Transcona Collegiate in 1971. She then furthered her education at the U of M and obtained her Teaching Certificate in 1973. Debbies first teaching job was from 1974 to 1979 at Lake Manitoba First Nation. There she taught several grades for five years and met her husband Garry McLean. They married on August 22, 1975. Debbie and Garrys only daughter Kristin Lea was born at the Ste. Rose Hospital in Ste. Du Lac on April 5, 1979. They moved to Winnipeg in 1979 and Debbie stayed home to raise her Kwi-Kwi for six years. She then returned to teaching as a substitute teacher and continued her education. She obtained her Bachelor of Education Degree in 1991 and after many years as a substitute teacher, Debbie was successful at obtaining a full time teaching position at Birds Hill School. However, due to the reoccurrence of her illness, she was unable to return to work. Debbie was supported by many close friends from her school days and also her teacher colleagues and caring neighbours. Debbie enjoyed travelling, visiting with family and friends (especially in Brandon and Winkler), cooking and entertaining, going to concerts and craft sales and spending time with her wonderful nieces and nephews. Debbie also enjoyed going to Lester Beach in Belair, Man. Debbies greatest joy and happiness was in being a devoted parent and mother. We do not understand why God has chosen to accept Debbie into his Kingdom so early in her life. We can only believe there is a special purpose for Debbie in heaven right now and maybe some day we will know the answer. Well always remember your continued strength, determination and the many lessons you have shown and taught us. We are relieved you dont have to suffer anymore with your illness and may you rest in peace forever. The funeral will take place on Thursday, March 23 at 1:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. Flowers gratefully declined and instead donations can be made in Debbies memory to the Canadian Cancer Society. The family would like to thank the many wonderful doctors and nurses that tried to sustain Debbies life. We appreciate the special care and professionalism that the St. Boniface Palliative Care has demonstrated these past two weeks. As difficult as it is to let you go, I know we are not far apart, for wherever I go, or whatever I do, now you sit inside my heart. Ill love you forever Ill like for always, As long as Im living my mommy youll be. Lots of love, hugs and butterfly kisses, Myrtle. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL in care of arrangements 586-8044.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 21, 2000