DEBRAH MCKINNON (née: Sangster)
May 9th, 1952 – June 24th, 2021
Debrah Jean McKinnon, aged 69 years of Moose Jaw, SK passed away on Thursday, June 24th, 2021. “Debbie or Deb” as most would know her, was born to the late Douglas and Eleanor (Grayson) Sangster on May 9th, 1952 in Regina, SK. She was the youngest of 5 girls (poor Douglas!). Debbie graduated from Peacock Collegiate and went on to get married and travel with her now ex-husband, all over the world before settling down to have their only child, Carly in 1977. She worked for over 30 years combined at Valley View Centre and loved both the staff and residents like family. She had a loving heart and if you were part of it, you knew it.
Debbie graduated from SIAST in Regina as a Dental Assistant and also worked many years for Dr. Beesley, Dr. Tessier and after his retirement, for Dr. Viczko at Main Street Dental until her own retirement just a few short years ago. Debbie’s pride and joy were her grandsons, Mark (Nicolette) and Nicholas, whom she let eat chocolate cake for breakfast (when Mom wasn’t looking) and were not the kind of kids that she had wished as pay back for her daughter’s teenage years. Five years ago, she was blessed with a beautiful great-granddaughter, Anna, and just recently looked forward to meeting her newest great-grandson, Grayson, which unfortunately wasn’t able to take place.
Debbie had so many stories shared with friends and family in her last days that her daughter wished she would have known earlier, as she realized the apple had not fallen far from the tree.
Debbie is survived by her daughter; sisters: Karen, Faye, Judy and Twyla; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and the most amazing nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Sadly, too many incredible people predeceased her, but now that she’s up there, we hope everyone was prepared for the life of the party.
In keeping Debbie’s wishes, there will not be a service but if you happen to find yourself with a glass of wine in your hand, she would love to laugh and share one last drink. Her cremation took place on June 25th, 2021 where she would claim it would be the only time in her life she would have a smokin hot body…. She also really loved flowers but found the love you give to an animal gives back tenfold, and if you would like to donate to the Moose Jaw Humane Society in her name, she would provide to you the winning Lotto Max numbers in a dream.
Debbie always had a smile and unforgettable laugh, we hope she is looking down and smiling while she reads this.
Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Todd Sjoberg, Funeral Director 306-693-4550
Such a fantastic overview of this sweet life. My thought are with you as you celebrate this life well lived. Thank you to whomever wrote this – and I will watch for the Lotto Max numbers coming to me in my next dream….
Heaven will have it’s hands full with all the laughter and love that Debbie will be providing. We will all miss her so much! She’ll be a angel watching over you, Carly. Remember, there’s nothing wrong with chocolate cake for breakfast!
Rich(Doc) Turriff, Linda Fulton, Al Helland
So very sorry to read of Deb passing knew her through her work. Was just there yesterday getting work done and we were talking of how she was missed around there. She was always smiling such a caring fun lady. R.I.P Deb
To the Sangster Family
I went school with Debbie and had a few great little visits with her whenever we saw each other over the years.
I always loved her bawdy sense of humor and her straight forward way of telling it like it is.
My most heartfelt condolences to you all and I know you will celebrate her good life in all the great memories you made together.
She would love that.
So sorry Carly, I just talked to her a few weeks ago. She was a fantastic woman and loved life. We had so many laughs over the years and many stories good and bad that we shared. Hugs and love.
I knew Deb from Cool Springs Trail rides and the dentist office.She always had a smile and something funny and interesting to talk about.She will be dancing on the clouds.
Dear Carly & family, we were so sorry to hear about Deb. She was a wonderful person and we had many good times & laughs . She will surly be missed. Cherish your memories.
Carly, I have never met you but I was a newer friend to your Mom. She was always full of humour, and told things straight up. Her laugh was contagious and spontaneous. I send you my deepest gratitude for the fun times your Mom and I had. I am so sorry for your loss and know your Mom is in a better place. God bless you and your family, she loved you beyond words.
Dear All of Deb’s family & friends, Heaven has gained a wonderful angel & we are all sad here on earth.Always a better day when you would meet Deb either @ the office or @ VVC.She worked so hard even on the weekends.Such a wonderful woman.
Carly and family,
I was so saddened to see the passing of Deb. I taught Deb at Prince Arthur in Grade 8.
Later on, she looked after my teeth at Main Street Dental.
She was such a good person. She always made me laugh.
May happy memories help you through this difficult time.
So sorry to hear about your mom Carly, she always had me laughing at work with one of her crazy stories–that is if she could finish it before she broke into giggles. Debbie was one of a kind– I’m glad she’ll be watching over me with my glass of wine.
What a fantastic and wonderful friend and best neighbour a person could ask for! I will so much miss our conversation and the camaraderie we had with each other. Give her shit in heaven girl! There is an empty space next door now! My condolences to you Carly, your family,Debs siblings ant her friends. Nice done obit and Debs sense of humour to the end! Always in my heart and my thoughts!
I was so very sad to read of Debbie’s passing. She was a lovely lady and so full of joy and enthusiasm. She had a wonderful outlook on life. Our very deepest condolences to her family.
So sorry to hear of Debbies passing. My dad, Stu Russell, was best friends with her dad, Doug. They drove truck together and I have fond memories of times when they were together. Wonderful childhood memories. Eleanor was always so nice. RIP Debbie and I know you’ll be welcomed by your mom and dad! Judy Cameron ( nee Russell)
We are very saddened to hear about Debbie. I will cherish the many conversations whenever I spotted Debbie in the alley when leaving work at St. Margaret’s. Let’s just say it was never a 2 minute conversation! I can just hear her making that comment about “the smokin hot body” followed by her laugh. Great lady gone to soon. Thinking of you Carly, your family, Debbie’s siblings and all those affected. Until we all meet again. xxxooo
Carly & family, you were all so blessed to have Deb in your life! My brother Ken was also blessed to have her as his best friend. Deb was always sending him home with care packages spoiling him. They will be happy to be having some great conversations once again! My condolences to all! Deb you will be missed….cheers!!!!
Carly, the obit is awesome just what your mother would have wanted, she was a great friend, and it was great that I could just pop over, which I did often in the evenings, and I’m still thinking some evenings I should stop over! We will truly miss her presence next door, she was a great person, and we always had such good laughs.
I was friends with Debbie in school and we always had such a great time I have never forgotten what a great person she was…moved away after high school but have thought of her so many times during the years…my deepest sympathies and she will always be in my heart….
I worked with Debbie at VVC and she was an absolute delight. Her laugh was contagious. RIP. Gone too soon