"LOVE IS LOUDER" ~
It is with profound sadness and disbelief that we announce the unexpected passing of our precious Debbie. She was louder than life and brought so much love, laughter, and support to our lives.
Born in Ladysmith on March 29th, 1971, Debbie is predeceased by her sister Bobbi-Jo De Clark and brother-in-law Greg Chadwick. Debbie will be sorrowfully missed by her young daughter Ripley, son Harley, daughter-in-law Taylor, daughter Tanisha and husband Cory Miller, her partner in life.
She was the beloved daughter of Lynne (Dom) De Lucia and Bob (Delaine) De Clark and sister to Christine, Tammy (Keith), Rob (Ang). Step sister to Scott (Hilary), Brad (Sophie) Trisha (Geordie). Mother and Father in-law; Jennifer and John Miller and sister Stacy (Luke).
She was the most unique and fun-loving grandma to her dear Tegan, Finley and Letty and G'ma to Carter, Naomi and Finley.
She was an amazing Aunty to many nieces and nephews and was always there to listen or be the fun Aunty yelling out a YEEHA or SALUTE!! Danielle (Nathan) Michael, Curtis, Grace, Marlin, Ryza, Belle, Kayde, Cohen, Sloane, Calla, Reine, Noah, Braeden (Emma), Sienna, as well as many others who had the honour of calling her Aunty, Great Aunty or G'ma.
She was also cherished by many Aunts and Uncles and adored by cousins galore!
Debbie loved the outdoors, being in nature and camping with her family. She collected, polished and displayed rocks turning them into beautiful gems! She spent the summers growing up at Mountainaire & mini adventures with mom and the girls. As an adult, trips to Cluxewe, Pachena Bay, Mt. Washington and Hornby Island were treasured memories for her.
"There will always be a part of me in Maui" Deb would reminisce as she remembered a special trip to Hawaii. Her second trip was filled with joy as she got to travel there with her new baby Ripley, Cory, her dad and step mom.
Debbie loved music, from listening to her dad on the piano to rocking out to Wango Tango with her mom & sisters; Her and Cory attended many concerts together the first over 30 years ago and their last in April. Music was always on in the home or car and they all loved to sing and dance together.
Debbie worked a few jobs over the years but none she took more pride in than being mom. Her eyes would light up and her smile would brighten when any of her kids walked in the room. She was so proud of the hard working young man her son became and you knew that by the way she volunteered his services anytime someone needed help ;)
She loved to garden at "the lot" and spent hours with her mom and Ripley pondering bees and politics. Special days were just cuddling up with Ripley and the grandchildren watching their favorite movie - along with a sing song of Bushell and a Peck or cheering on the kids singing their hearts out to "Let it Go" or "She's always a woman to me, ahem!"
You may remember her from Safeway (Save On) Deli, she was the one happy to serve you with a smile on her face and she may have called you love. Her caring nature in ensuring people were heard and their needs were met had her take on the role of Shop Steward.
Debbie supported many people in recovery. Her life mission was that no one be left alone and everyone be given some hope. Along with that love and guidance, she was best on calling you on your "stuff" and being an advocate.
Attitude of Gratitude; Debbie took nothing for granted and was grateful for all in her life. She loved so hard! She would be the first to give you what you needed even if it left her with nothing. She cared for people and found sanctuary in animals.
That calm nurturing part of her could be felt when you were down and near her, but then there was this presence, this undeniable presence that's hard to put into words; "When all else fails, put your Snow White dress on", maybe that covers it.
Her incredible big smile, her BAHAHAHA voice, she lit up the space every time she walked in. It was her spark, which is her soul, that will continue around us. Just watch and listen, you may hear a "I *#*&*%* LOVE LOVING YOUS!!" in your day.
Thank you to all the staff at the Ladysmith Community Health Care Centre for your support of our family on that day. To our family/friends, we could not do this without you. Thank you for the continuous love, food and guidance. We will always love loving you, Debbie.
Please join family and friends in celebrating Debbie on June 10, 2023 at The Ladysmith Amphitheatre, Transfer Beach at 1:11pm. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Orange Shirt Society - Every Child Matters.
"Love, Light and Extra Blessings."
"Thank you for your part in my journey"
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