Ms. Debra Ann Bruinsma

Ms. Debra Bruinsma (Anderson) of Okotoks, Alberta passed away at the High River Hospital on May 25, 2024 at the age of 66 years after a lifelong, courageous battle with kidney disease. Although the disease took her life too soon, she did not let it control her life while she was here. She lived every day with grace, compassion, selflessness, and kindness. She approached each day with a genuine smile on her face, a family member or friend on her mind, and a coffee in her hand. She will be missed dearly by her 14 grandchildren and all her “adopted” grandchildren, who she loved more than life itself. Debra is survived by her daughters Lana (Joel), and Christina (Jason); sons Stewart (Amanda), David, and Ryan (Renee); grandchildren Joshua, Caleb, Kai, Luke, Cayla (Bo), Jayden, Chance, Charley, Zion, Bailey, Sadie, Payton, Bennett, and Everly; mother Justine “Judy”; sisters Rhonda, Karen (Norman), Janet, and Janice (Walter); brother Stanley, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, “adopted” grandchildren, and extended family and friends. She was predeceased by her father Stanley “Bruce”. Debra was born in Vermilion, AB on January 19,1958 to Stanley “Bruce” and Justine “Judy” Anderson and fondly remembered growing up in Drumheller and High River, among other places in Alberta. She loved being part of a big family. This devotion to family continued as she became a mother to two daughters and three sons. The one thing she was the most proud of and fought relentlessly for was her children and her grandchildren. Before starting a family, Debra worked in the main office of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in Calgary, and also as a receptionist in a dental office. Between 1976-1983, she had five children and stayed at home to care for them. In 1989, Debra went back to school and the workforce while raising her children. Her final 20 years of employment were spent working with Safeway Canada. Debra loved quilting and cross-stitching. She was an incredible crafter and always knew how to make things beautiful. She loved spending time with her closest friends, and cherished the trips to Victoria and Italy. Debra was beautiful, both in appearance and spirit and she made everything and everyone around her beautiful. The family would like to express a special thank you to Okotoks/Foothills EMS, the Palliative Care team, Safeway Pharmacy, Dr. Hansraj, the South Calgary Dialysis Centre, and all the specialists involved in Debra’s care. Most of all, “thank you to Uncle Stan who gave us another 20 years with mom. Your generosity will never be forgotten”. To honor Debra’s love for motherhood, memorial donations may be made to the Rowan House Society - www.rowanhouse.ca. A Celebration of Debra's Life was held at the High River Alliance Church on Friday, June 7, 2024 at 1:30 PM. Caring for the family is Lyle Reeves Funerals of High River (Craig Snodgrass) 403.652.4242.

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Ms. Debra Ann Bruinsma

January 19, 1958 - May 25, 2024