Debra Jean Fraser

It is with deep sadness that as a family we announce the passing of our beloved mother & grandmother, Debra Jean Fraser. 

Deb passed away on the evening of Tuesday, June 16th, 2020 at Agape Hospice in Calgary, AB at the age of 65 years young. Debra was diagnosed with cancer just five short weeks before her passing. She fought the good fight as long as she possibly could and showed her family & friends what true courage and strength looks like throughout her battle. 

Deb was born in the greater Toronto area on January 31, 1955. Deb met her match and love of her life Doug in 1967 at the age of 11.  Doug and Deb married on May 26, 1972. The couple started their family shortly after and had their two children, Tonya and Digger, while still living in Toronto. Deb & Doug decided to pack up and move across the map to Calgary in 1987 and lived out their years together in Alberta. They watched both of their children marry and were terrific, funny, supportive and kooky grandparents to their four amazing grandkids who were always the apple of Deb’s eye. You would rarely have a conversation with Deb without hearing her brag and boast about being a proud grandma. 

Sadly, after 47 years of marriage, Deb lost her beloved husband, Doug, last year, also to a short, hard-fought cancer battle. Deb missed her best friend endlessly throughout this past year and if there is a sliver lining in her passing it’s that the two of them are reunited, living in the bush, most likely bickering at one another, but being by each other’s side once again. 

Debra is lovingly remembered by her children, Tonya (Scott), Digger (Jen); her four gorgeous grandchildren, Morgan, Sarah, Dawson & Cole; her two sisters, Robyn (Bob), & Lisa; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Deb was predeceased by her one and only, Doug; her parents, Barbara & Gord; and her older brother, Harry. 

Debra deeply enjoyed the last ten years of her life managing campgrounds in Kananaskis Country where she met some of her closest friends. She would often say how lucky she and Doug were to have a job that never felt like work, surrounded by bosses and co-workers who felt like family. 

At Deb’s request there will be no funeral or service. In honour of Deb, donations to Agape Hospice would be greatly appreciated.

As a family, we would like to extend huge thank you’s and appreciation to Foothills Hospital staff (Unit 42) and Agape Hospice nurses, doctors and staff for their amazing care and compassion for Deb during this extremely difficult time in hers and her family’s life. Everyone who supported and cared for Deb during these last hard weeks were all nothing short of remarkable. 

“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”