Deborah Darlene Endert

Debbie is lovingly remembered by her mother, Valerie; her son, Murray (Jillien), and their children, Brayden, Brynlee, Hunter, and Hudson; her daughter, Heather (Andrew), and their son, Alex; her brother, Daryll (Katherine); and many extended family members, lifelong friends, and all those fortunate enough to have known her.

Debbie was born in April 1959, to Valerie and Kenneth Harrison. She shared a close and loving relationship with both of her parents, their example of kindness, compassion, generosity, and faith helped shape the woman she became. She was predeceased by her father, Kenneth Harrison—affectionately known as "Baboo" by many—in 2008, a loss she bore with quiet strength, enduring love, and unwavering faith. Following the passing of her father, Debbie and her mother, Valerie, grew closer. Together they shared the years that followed with unwavering love and support, leaning on one another through life’s joys and challenges. Their bond remained one of the greatest blessings of Debbie’s life.

As her son grew older, Debbie would happily lend him the keys to the family’s 1976 Chevrolet Malibu. She had just one condition: the car had to come back with cheesecake. It became one of those simple family traditions that perfectly reflected Debbie’s generosity, playful spirit, and ability to turn ordinary moments into lasting memories.

Even with health challenges, Debbie was determined to create precious memories. She travelled to Ottawa to visit her daughter; despite the physical toll the journey took. Before Heather's first Christmas away from Victoria, Debbie made the trip to ensure the house was beautifully decorated for the season, making it feel like home. For Debbie, no distance was ever too great when it meant spending time with the people she loved.

Debbie carried those she loved with her always. In 2020, her beloved youngest daughter, Christen, left this world far too soon. Debbie's profound love for Christen was evident in the depth of her grief, a loss she carried with her every day. In the years that followed, it was clear that Debbie's heart was divided between those she cherished on earth and those she longed for in heaven. To honour the memories of her father and daughter, she found comfort in releasing balloons into the sky—a simple yet deeply meaningful tradition that became a symbol of remembrance, hope, and everlasting love.

No one loved more deeply than Debbie loved her family. Her grandchildren—Brayden, Brynlee, Hunter, Hudson, and Alex—were the greatest joy of her life over the past ten years. She was there to provide a calm, steady presence when her first grandchild, Brayden, entered the world sooner and faster than expected, and she continued to offer the same loving, hands-on support with the arrival of each of her grandchildren. The birth of her twin grandsons, Hunter and Hudson, was a moment she treasured. In the years that followed, she could often be found cuddling one or both several nights a week, no matter what else was happening in the world.

Family celebrations were among Debbie’s greatest joys. Birthdays, Christmases, and holiday gatherings were expressions of her love. She delighted in planning every detail, from the decorations to finding the perfect napkins to match the occasion, believing the smallest details made people feel the most loved. During her children's early years, Debbie would tuck Murray, Heather, and Christen into bed, then spend the rest of the evening transforming the house into a winter wonderland. Her greatest reward was seeing the joy and wonder on her children's faces when they woke to the magic she had created.

Debbie attended Reynolds High School in Victoria, British Columbia, where her adventurous spirit first took root. During her high school years, she completed the West Coast Trail—an accomplishment that reflected her quiet determination and appreciation for the natural world that remained with her throughout her life.

She found peace in nature, but it was animals that held a special place in her heart. Whether caring for the hummingbirds that visited her yard, faithfully rotating their feeders during the colder winter months so they would never freeze, or doting on the family’s beloved Chihuahua, Pip, Debbie’s gentle spirit was evident in the way she cared for every living thing.

Debbie was an artist at heart. She created beautiful ceramics that reflected both her patience and keen eye for detail. She lovingly redesigned and decorated every home she lived in, always finding ways to add more charm, warmth, and beauty. A true do-it-yourself spirit, she embraced every remodelling project with creativity and determination. In more recent years, Debbie painted hundreds of rocks. Many were gifted to family and friends, while countless others were hidden along forest trails for strangers to discover—a small act of kindness that brought moments of joy to those out enjoying nature. Many of her treasured creations remain with her family today, including cherished Christmas pieces that continue to grace the family mantel each holiday season—a lasting reminder of the love she poured into everything she made. Debbie also spent many years as “Crafty” at Camp Columbia, where she joyfully shared her artistic talents with young people, encouraging creativity, imagination, and self-expression.

A woman of deep Christian faith, Debbie was a devoted member of St. Peter’s Anglican Church for many years and was actively involved in its youth program. Whether through church, camp, or simply opening her home, Debbie became a second mom to many. Children from all facets of life found a place where they were welcomed, accepted, and loved as family.

When her own children were young, Debbie operated a daycare from her home on Rob Road in Comox. Caring for children wasn’t simply something she did—it was part of who she was. She had an extraordinary gift with babies, instinctively knowing how to soothe them with gentle rocking, soft singing, and loving coos.

Comox always held a special place in Debbie’s heart. It was where many cherished family memories were made, and throughout her life she returned often, especially after Murray and his family made it their home.

For many years, a Starbucks chai tea latte was her favourite treat. She became such a familiar face that the Starbucks staff came to know her by name, often knowing her order before she even had to ask. She cherished the friendships she formed with the drive-through staff and the moments of connection they shared. It wasn't uncommon for her to know an attendant's life story, and she always remembered to ask thoughtful follow-up questions each time she passed through. This was the essence of Debbie—she valued every person whose path she crossed and made sure they knew they mattered.

Debbie had a remarkable gift for making people feel important. She was an exceptional listener who never seemed to be in a hurry. Whether on one of her many drives around Victoria and through Ten-Mile Point, over a favourite Starbucks chai tea latte, or during a visit with family or friends, she gave people the precious gift of her time. Those who spent time with Debbie left feeling heard, encouraged, and understood.

She found beauty in life’s simple moments. Summers meant large family gatherings at Willows Beach, while trips to the Sooke Potholes often ended with carefully selected rocks finding a home in her beloved herb garden. Family road trips were filled with singing and laughter, and at home spontaneous water fights became treasured family memories. Debbie was always happy to drive—whether it was taking the scenic route simply to spend more time together or shuttling her own children and their friends wherever they needed to go.

Our family extends our heartfelt gratitude to the physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and staff at Royal Jubilee Hospital for the exceptional compassion, dignity, and care they provided to Debbie and our family during her final days. During the last six weeks of Debbie's life, she was visited every day by someone she came to think of as her third daughter, Kathleen. The love, kindness, and unwavering support Kathleen shared during that time brought Debbie immense comfort and peace, and our family will be forever grateful for the gift of her presence.

A celebration of Debbie’s life will be announced later.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who knew Debbie to honour her memory through an act of kindness, by caring for someone in need, or by sharing a cup of tea with someone you love—simple gifts that reflected the way Debbie lived every day.

And when you see a balloon floating gently through the sky, think of Debbie and the loved ones who have gone before us. May it remind you that although those we love may leave our sight, they never leave our hearts.

Debbie’s legacy lives on in the countless lives she nurtured, the family she adored, the children she encouraged, the beautiful artwork she created, and the love she so freely gave.

She will be forever loved, deeply missed, and always remembered.