June 10, 1952 - June 3, 2016
We regret to announce the passing of Debbie at age 63, following a year long struggle with cancer. She passed away gently in her home, in the company of loved ones and her beloved dog. The multitude of local birds and bountiful flowers that brought her joy seem to whisper of her presence still.
Debbie was born June 10, 1952 in Vancouver, B.C. Her childhood was filled with horses, swimming, skiing and many pets (she always loved animals and nature). Debbie attended Crofton House School, UVic, UBC and Pitman’s Business College before becoming a bookkeeper. She lived in Victoria and Kamloops before finally moving to Vernon in 1973. Debbie bore and raised three children, who have always been the most important thing in her life and love. In later years, photography, nature and hiking were her passions. Her beautiful photos from around the Okanagan permiate local news, civic buildings, Canadian magazines and charity calendars, and won her numerous awards.
Debbie will be achingly missed by her husband, Gyula Kiss; her children, Ron (Maki) MacNeil, Tom (Sophie) MacNeil, and Penny MacNeil; her older siblings, Graydon, Donna and David; and many others who knew her. She is predeceased by her parents, Dorothy and Earson Gibson.
The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the Interior Health Community Care palliative team and the Vernon Jubilee Hospital oncology team.
Those friends wishing to make memorial contributions in memory of Debbie may do so to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Celebration of Life will be held:
When:October 8, 2016, starting at 1:00 PM
Where:The celebration will be held at the Coldstream Women’s Institute Hall
Address:9909 Kalamalka Road, Coldstream BC
All of her relatives, friends and acquaintances are invited to join in the celebration.
Anyone wishing to relate stories, anecdotes or memorials of Debbie is invited to do so!.
“That we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us.” - Helen Keller