DEBRA VANANCE (DEB)

Condolences & Memories (7 entries)

• My husband and I first met Deb and Dave just prior to Stephen's and Amber's wedding. Deb and Dave were so welcoming and warm and in a very short time we felt that we had known them for a long time. Deb was an inspiration to her colleagues. In our conversations I quickly saw how passionate she was about our profession and healthcare. It is so sad that her bright light has been extinguished, but she will never be forgotten. She is with Dave again, and together they will continue to soar. Rest in Peace, Deb - Posted by: JoAnne Diakow (acquaintance) on: Sep 06, 2021

• How does one put into words the sense of loss of my dearest friend who has been a soul sister, confidante, encourager, and integral part of our family for over 40 years? That is impossible. What is possible is to reflect on my knowledge of who Deb was. She was brilliant, a high achiever, and worked tirelessly at all she did. At the same time she was passionate about the outcomes of what she wanted to achieve – and the most important outcome was to make things better for her staff, patients and the citizens in the community that they served. Deb had an enquiring mind, and was always striving to make things better. Lived by the credo of “There’s no I in Team”. Always saw the best in people and encouraged people to be their best. Never judgmental. Always kind and thinking of ways to let people know that she cared about them. In her personal and family life, she was passionate about caring for all of us. Gatherings were always filled with love and laughter. Her most telling feature was her love of and devotion to Dave. Theirs was a special relationship, filled with deep love and mutual respect and support. Most of all they were the best of friends. Rest in Peace my dear friend. The “Double D” team is back together again. Catherine Kidd - Posted by: Catherine Kidd (Friend) on: Sep 06, 2021

• I am so very shocked and saddened to hear about Deb’s passing. I worked with Deb early in my career. She was my manager. We got along well and understood one another. She was always very supportive and kind to me; we had an unusual but close connection. We also discovered we shared a love of cooking and entertaining. We would share recipes and talk about dinner parties we had each had. I still have some of her recipes in my files! She was a private woman to most. She shared some of her life with me, and in those early years I felt I got to know her well. We lost touch as our careers changed, but in later years when I would see her at social events, we would always connect. There were two things I knew definitively about Deb, she was fiercely proud of her career and very much in love with her husband. I am sorry to hear this news. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. Tania D’Amato - Posted by: Tania D'Amato (Colleague ) on: Sep 05, 2021

• So very sad to hear about Deb’s passing. She was vibrant, intelligent and very very funny. Her one liners would make anyone laugh. I can’t believe she is no longer with us We were nursing colleagues at HSC Winnipeg for many years. RIP Deb! Sue Gudmundson - Posted by: Sue Gudmundson (Friend) on: Sep 05, 2021

• I am saddened to learn of Debra’s passing. She was such a lovely and lively person. I first met Debra in the mid 1980’s when she was a Nursing Supervisor at HSC. She was such a welcome and resourceful person. Over the years I got to know Debra as her various roles and mine intersected. Debra was so full of laughter and smiled so generously. She was always speaking of her life love Dave and her family and friends. Debra had a lot of energy and was always friendly and interested in people. My deepest condolences to her family and dear friends. - Posted by: Wendy Rudnick (Coworker ) on: Sep 04, 2021

• I have many fond memories of Deb! She was a Nursing Supervisor when I was a GDRN at the HSC. I remember during the storm of 1986 I believe, I was working nights, she was evenings and we chatted about many things. She was Kim, I am sure they will have “Tuna Noodle Casserole “ in the cafeteria if you get stuck here! Low and behold I was their from my shift on Friday night until I could go home on the Monday morning! Deb was right “Tuna Noodle Casserole “ was front and centre on the menu! She was always fair and listened to what you had to say! - Posted by: Kim Fraser (Colleague) on: Sep 04, 2021

• I am so shocked and saddened to hear of Deb’s passing. I offer condolences to all of Deb’s family. Deb and I first met working together in ICU. Her nursing knowledge was strong and she was a mentor for me as I enrolled in further studies. We worked along side one another for 28 years in various administrative roles. She was passionate about her career and her dedication to the health system unwavering. As much as she worked long hours, Deb spoke often of Dave and her family, who all brought her great joy. RIP Deb and may you and Dave fly high together. - Posted by: Trish Bergal (Nursing Colleague) on: Sep 04, 2021