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DEBORAH ANNE BROWN
Born: May 12, 1954
Date of Passing: Oct 07, 2025
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryDEBORAH ANNE BROWN
Debbie Anne Brown (née Shewchuk), aged 71, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2025, at St. Boniface Hospital, after a courageous 18-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Born on May 12, 1954, in Ontario, Canada, Debbie lived a life defined by compassion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to her family and community.
Beyond her professional achievements, Debbie was the heart of her family. She is survived by her devoted husband Lance; her children, Terry (Tammy), Sarah (Chris), Christine, and Danny; and her cherished grandchildren, Melissa (Erik), Conner, Kaden, Chase, and LilyAnne. Debbie also leaves behind her siblings, Gary (Marie-Anne), Val (Ralph), and Gail (Jay); along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Debbie pursued her passion for helping others by earning a nursing degree from the St. Boniface School of Nursing. Her career as a registered nurse in neurosurgery at St. Boniface Hospital showcased her skill and empathy in caring for patients during some of their most vulnerable moments. Also, during that time when her children were young, she was very involved in their schools and sports teams, often as the team nurse.
She returned to university as an adult learner with family responsibilities and obtained her master’s in health education from the University of Manitoba. She then held a variety of positions from patient care to teaching at the school of nursing. Her nursing students described her as a caring teacher who taught them the importance of competence and compassion in nursing. She also served on a nursing home board while chairing various subcommittees.
Debbie’s professional journey continued to flourish as she took on the role of CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba in 2001. She retired in 2015 after significant contributions to this foundation, including the development of new research awards to support Manitoba researchers from the student level to senior researcher.
Debbie continued her longstanding commitment to volunteering by joining the St. Boniface Hospital board in 2018. In 2022, Debbie became the first female layperson to ever chair the board, and the first woman to do so since the Grey Nuns themselves. She served as Board Chair from 2022 to 2024, where she brought commitment, tenacity, and grace to the position. Debbie is remembered by staff and fellow board members as a fierce advocate for patients, a champion of cardiac health and of SBH’s Women’s Heart Health initiative, and as an engaged and kind leader who made all feel welcome.
Debbie found joy in gardening and nurturing life around her home. She loved travelling with Lance and other family members to destinations such as China and Australia, creating memories that will be treasured forever. Summers spent camping at Rushing River were among her favourite pastimes, where she found peace surrounded by nature.
Known for her compassionate spirit and ability to bring people together, Debbie was the anchor of her family. She had a gift for planning special events that celebrated life’s milestones with love and care. Her presence brought warmth to every gathering, leaving those who knew her with countless fond memories.
Debbie’s legacy is one of love, resilience, and service to others. May her memory bring comfort to all who were fortunate enough to know her. A Celebration of Life will be held on May 30, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Glen Eden Funeral Home, 4477 Main Street.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 16, 2026
