DEBRA DAWN (ARMSTRONG) LOEWEN

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DEBRA DAWN (ARMSTRONG) LOEWEN After years of battling diabetes, kidney failure and other illnesses, our dear Debbie found peace on September 21, 2017 at Seven Oaks Hospital. Debbie was born in Winnipeg on April 24, 1954. Her caregiving nature was evident at a young age. She loved playing with her dolls and became fiercely protective of siblings and friends, and passionately desired to keep them from harm, already developing her future role as an advocate for others in their time of need. In school she engaged in active pursuits like ice skating, volleyball and basketball. On the family farm she became the acknowledged expert on the potato picking machine. At age 15, in the library of River East Collegiate, Debbie met Ray Loewen, who winked at her across the room and sparked the beginning of a lifelong love. They married on July 21, 1973, soulmates from the start. For many years Debbie ran a daycare in their home. Loving and nurturing children was her passion and her life. These children became family to her, and their relationships lasted far beyond time in the daycare. Extended family looked forward to events at Ray and Debbie's home because of their many "funhouse toys." Over 44 years of fun-filled marriage, they worked together renovating houses, hosting and cooking for large festive gatherings, having card nights and many bonfires in the Armstrong yard. Their fishing getaway at Redden's was grand central for social events, where many longstanding relationships with lake friends were developed over 30 years. Debbie enjoyed wowing friends with her chocolate fountain. She was a huge fan of karaoke and loved to "perform" with others. Debbie was predeceased by her parents Donald and Bernadette Armstrong. Left to cherish her memory are her husband Ray; siblings, Terry (Jeff), Rob (Doreen), Kevin, Karen (Ed), Don (Michelle); and Ray's siblings, Pat (Al), Millie (Wally), Sue (Phil), Don (Sandy) and numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of friends. Heartfelt thanks to the medical team and staff of Seven Oaks dialysis unit who lovingly cared for Debbie over the last four years. Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, September 28, 2017 at Douglas Mennonite Church, 1517 Rothesay Street. Cremation has taken place with interment at a later date. Donations in Debbie's honour can be made to the Seven Oaks Hemodialysis Unit.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 26, 2017