Deborah "Debbie" Geraldine Duffett

It is with deep sorrow that the family of Deborah “Debbie” Geraldine (Holmes) Duffett of Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia, announces her passing on October 12, 2025, at the age of 68. Debbie was born in Antigonish to Roena (Scott) Holmes and Thomas Holmes.

Debbie grew up in Stellarton, and moved to Halifax where she graduated from the Victoria General Hospital School of Radiography and enjoyed a fulfilling career as an X-ray Technician at both the Victoria General Hospital and the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre. She was known for her warmth and kindness toward patients, as well as for the lifelong friendships she built and maintained over the years. As the group’s social organizer, Debbie brought people together both during her career and long after her retirement. During her working years, she was also an active member of the Halifax 33rd Pipes and Drums Band, where she enjoyed marching in parades as a drummer for more than 20 years.

Debbie cherished her grandsons. They were her absolute pride and joy. She was the best Nanny, always fully present whether playing make-believe on the living room floor, sitting at the kitchen table colouring or playing Play-Doh, taking them on outings, helping with schoolwork, or chasing them around the playground.

Family gatherings meant the world to her. She was happiest when her entire family was together, crowded around the table for family dinners. Debbie also loved spending quality time with her sisters and their families, especially on annual trips to “the shore” on the Melford Loop, where her ancestral family home once stood, and visiting relatives and family friends along the way.

On a quiet afternoon, you could often find her reading with her beloved dog, LeeLuu, curled up at her feet. She loved photography, craft shows, family outings, scenic drives, and lunch dates with her girlfriends. Debbie was truly the glue that held everyone together, always keeping in touch through group chats and making sure everyone stayed connected, loved, and included.

Her memory lives on through her husband of 40 years, David Duffett; her two sons, Scott Duffett (Katie McNutt) and Jacob Duffett (Shannon Duffett); her four grandsons, Eli, Jack, Lucas, and Declan Duffett; her two sisters, Jean (Holmes) Ferguson and Nina (Holmes) Herman, and many nieces and nephews.

Debbie was predeceased by her parents, Thomas and Roena (Scott) Holmes, and mother-in-law, Eliza (Organ) Duffett Baker.

A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, October 22nd at 2:00pm at JA Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr, Halifax, with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to your local food bank or charity of choice.