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- [S5] Obituary.
Debra Elizabeth "Debbie" Gamache ? 63, Halifax. It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of our beloved Debra Elizabeth "Debbie" Gamache, on Tuesday, October 1, 2019, at Northwood Nursing Home, Halifax.
Debbie fought a long, hard and courageous battle with Huntington's disease and she made the selfless and courageous decision and chose MAiD. Given Debbie's medical background, it is no surprise that she has donated her brain to Huntington's research in the hope of aiding in finding a cure for this horrendous disease; Debbie has also generously donated her body to Dalhousie Medical Research.
Raised as a 'military brat', Debbie lived in many provinces throughout her childhood, finally settling in New Brunswick for her post graduate education. Debbie began her working career at the Old General Hospital, Neuro Unit, in Saint John, New Brunswick as a Registered Nurse's Assistant. Debbie's loving and generous nature then took her to Pugwash where she cared for her ailing grandmother while raising her two young children. During this time, she enjoyed many years working at the local Co-Op and Seagull Pewter. Her joy in helping others was always evident; the queue was always longest in Debbie's line. Debbie's words, "It just feels good when helping someone else with their happiness."
Debbie was predeceased by her infant brother, Bobbie; infant sister, Diana; sister, Pam (Ted); beloved mother, Evelyn; birth father, Robert. Debbie is survived by her amazing and loving children, Chrissy and Adam; precious granddaughter, Kaeli; step-father, Larry; brothers, Kirk, Steve (Darlene), Bill (Kathy); sister, Wendy (Katie); niece, Jillian (Colton); nephews, Troy, Brendan; many friends. Those who knew and loved Debbie would say that her strongest attribute was her loving, kind heart; she would give away her last sandwich and worry about her own hunger later. Debbie would tell you that her greatest achievement was her two awesome children, Chrissy and Adam, whom she loved with all her heart. And just when she thought her heart couldn't hold any more love, along came her precious granddaughter, Kaeli. Debbie's words, "I've been very blessed, to be loved like I have."
We wish to extend a very special thank you to all the staff of Northwood, especially 8th floor Manor, for being Debbie?s extended family and providing such extraordinary and loving care. A heartfelt thank you to Social Worker, Nancy McLeod for championing and advocating for Debbie and for your genuine care and commitment; Rev. Renee Clark for her spiritual care and support and for the compassionate care from MAiD Clinical Lead, Dr Gordon Gubitz.
In order to make it easier for Debbie's work family and friends that reside at Northwood to attend the wake, it is to be held from 2-4 p.m., Friday, October 4, 2019, at the Penthouse (Centre elevators) of Northwood Nursing Home, followed by the funeral service and fellowship at 4 pm in the same location. Interment in Palmerston Cemetery, Pugwash. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Huntington's Society or charity of your choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall ? Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Debbie?s obituary on-line and selecting "Send A Condolence" at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com
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