Debbie Lynn DeGale

Debbie will be sadly missed by husband Norral; children: Billie-Jo, Lisa and Christopher (Shelly); grandchildren: Kenneth, Shane, Ryan and Christopher; great-grandchildren Daniella and Keagan. She is also survived by siblings: Ronald (Gail), Robert (Tamara), Brenda, and Sandra (Donald), as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Debbie was predeceased by her parents Evelyn and Keith, and siblings Michelle, Gordon, and Kenneth.

Debbie was born June 12, 1955 in Kerrobert, Saskatchewan. Her family relocated to Transcona, Manitoba where she and her siblings were raised. Debbie married and had her three children, and remained in Transcona for many years.

Life’s journey is full of change though. Debbie relocated her little family to East Kildonan, and she returned to school to further her education. Debbie earned her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Manitoba. While she held many different positions in this field over the years, her passion was helping families. This led to her long career with Child and Family Services where she remained until her recent retirement.

Debbie’s love of family was strong and she was often described as the backbone or glue that held the family together. Debbie met and married her husband Norral whom she has shared almost 30 years of marriage with. Together they were bursting with love and pride as the grandchildren and then great-grandchildren arrived in the family. Debbie loved hosting big and loud family gatherings, holiday meals, barbecues, and casual get togethers. For her it was always the more the merrier and she welcomed all.

Debbie’s love for travel took her to live in the Caribbean, the Arctic, and across Canada over the course of her lifetime. She also enjoyed pleasure trips with her husband, sisters, and friends to Mexico and Las Vegas, among other places. Debbie loved karaoke and playing poker. She made many friendships while taking part in these activities and often referred to her poker pals as a second family.

Debbie will be fondly remembered for her quick laugh, her sense of humour and wit, her love for singing and dancing, and kind heart.

I cannot see you

But I can remember

Your smile, your laugh

Your advice, your kindness

There are just so many reasons

Why I will love you until

We meet in Heaven once again