December 18, 1952 - May 28, 2018
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our cherished mother, nana, daughter, sister, aunt and dear friend, Deborah Jan Stewart. Her 10-month journey with stage 4 cancer came to an end at Central Okanagan Hospice House in Kelowna, BC with loved ones by her side.
Survived by her loving family: daughters Callie Mitchell (Tyler) and Carmen Gee (Devin) grandsons Blaize, Cruz, Jagger and Nixon, mother Helen Stewart, siblings Jim Stewart (Trish) and Kate Horner (Brent), nieces Brett and Lindsay, nephews Nate, Wyatt, Kirt and their families, her beloved dog Maggie, fierce feline, Peaches, and many close friends. Predeceased by her stillborn son, and her father, James Stewart.
Blythe, California born, vivacious free spirit, Deborah was artistic and inspiring: a colourful wild woman filled with compassion and kindness. She moved to the Okanagan with her family in 1960, and though life took her many other places throughout the years, she always came back to the valley she called home.
A skier, yogi, softball and soccer player, cheerleader, advanced open water diver, and choir singer in her younger years, she was naturally athletic and a true appreciator and lover of good music and live concerts.
After graduating from Rutland in 1970 and attending UBC for theatre and psychology, she later moved on to graduate from and teach at Vancouver Film School. A true multimedia maven, she was immensely and impressively creative and innovative. Always indulging in literature, Deborah was an avid reader. She was admirably dedicated to self care, and was deeply immersed in the Choices community, attending and coaching numerous seminars.
Able to take on any opportunity that came her way, she was a quick learner, full of passion, intelligence and eloquence. Her authentic and accepting nature made her someone that everyone loved to be around: an infectious soul. She was generous and giving, a devoted blood donor for over 40 years.
Deborah had an astounding appetite for travel, always seeking new experiences and beauty everywhere she went. She adored the Hawaiian islands and loved to be around, in, on and under the water as it brought her great peace.
She had an electric sense of humour, an abundance of wit and her laugh was contagious. We will never stop hearing it; we will never stop loving her. Physically gone, but her energy lives on. Forever remembered.
A Celebration of Life will be held August 11, 2017 at Benvoulin Heritage Park at 2:00 PM.