Obituary of DEBBIE JEAN WAKEMAN

DEBORAH “DEBBIE” JEAN WAKEMAN (NEE CARR)

 

Deborah (Debbie) Jean Wakeman (nee Carr), after her courageous battle with cancer, passed away surrounded by her loving family on December 22, 2023 in Winnipeg.

 

She was predeceased by her loving Father (Bob) and her Grandparents.

 

Debbie is lovingly remembered by her: husband Murray, her children Kristin and Adam, her Mom Barbara and her brother Doug (Diane). Debbie enjoyed the company of several nieces and nephews as well as her wonderful Great Nephews (A.J. and Will) and Great Niece (Kali).

 

Debbie will also be missed by Murray's family: Brother Stewart (Sandra) and Sister Leslie (Paul) and all their children as well as our closest cousin Lisa (Gary) and many, many friends.

 

Though Debbie was born in Winnipeg, she spent most of her formative years in Saskatoon after her father was transferred there for work. In 1977 her father received another transfer and the whole family moved back to Winnipeg.

 

That was when she met Murray, but their fate wasn't sealed until she was sure that he fit into her Farlane plans. Once she knew that Murray was a Farlane guy, the bond was cemented for life.

 

Debbie's first love, outside her family, was the cottage at Farlane. Her Dad instilled the love of the great outdoors and the pioneer lifestyle in her. She grew up going to “The Lake” and brought her children up the same. In her last few years she passed on this passion to all who would pay attention, especially the great nephews and niece. She wrote books for them and gave them many gifts they could use to help them enjoy cottage life.

 

Debbie had a zest for life and was one of those people who had the ability to light up the room with just her smile. She was known for her quick wit and snappy retorts. Even during her battle with cancer she never lost her smile and her positive outlook. She was always a fighter, be it for her children or for others. "Fight on, Debbie!"

Every time we would have to leave the lake, Debbie would say “The Sun always shines!” And, sure enough, it would, to guide us home. At our many family sing-a-longs our favourite song would always come up. One of the lines was: “And as we sang we worked, for we knew time was just a line, a gift we saved, a gift the future gave.” A favourite saying she had was from a plaque that hangs in our cottage verandah - “Things may change, but everything begins and ends with family”.

 

Debbie's profession was Recreation Technology with a diploma earned at Kelsey College, of course majoring in Outdoor Education. Later on, she dabbled in a few different jobs ending up as an Educational Assistant – a job she treasured for all the wonderful experiences she could give and also receive. She would come home and describe how the student she was working with achieved a goal they had been working on. She would have tears of joy on her face for the success of her student and herself. She made many friends. In her last days she still managed to have her annual Christmas Dinner with “The Girls”. Many thanks to the loyal friends for all their support.

 

The family would like to thank all the wonderful people at Cancer Care Manitoba and the Kidney Clinic at St. Boniface Hospital.

 

A private Celebration of her life is planned for a future date.

 

Please do not send gifts or flowers. If you wish to honour Debbie's memory, please make a donation to Special Olympics Manitoba – the love of our life for almost 40 years.