Our mother and grandmother, Deborah Karen MacGarva (Née: Pachal), known to friends as “Debbie”, passed away peacefully in her sleep after a long fight with cancer with friends and family by her side.
Throughout her life Debbie cherished her family, the joy of music and love, the beauty of nature, and her close and personal relationship with God.
Born in Lethbridge, Debbie lead a long and fulfilling life – raising her children on an acreage near Burmis, AB before obtaining her teaching degree at the University of Lethbridge, and going on to have a teaching career that spanned several schools throughout Alberta. Later in life, she settled in the Crowsnest Pass to enjoy her love of the mountains and spending time with her family.
Debbie is survived by her three children, David (Matthew Heykin) MacGarva, James (Andrea) MacGarva and Robert (Teresa) MacGarva; seven grandchildren, Indie, Joshua, Jonah, Aliyah, Verity, Ezekiel and Samuel; her mother, Ila Marlene Pachal; her sisters, Cynthia Pachal and Valerie Pachal; and her brother, Edward (Susan) Pachal.
Debbie was predeceased by her father, Gordon David (Shirley) Pachal.
Her family would like to thank the staff at the Crowsnest Pass Health Care Centre for the care and compassion they gave her in her final days, as well as her many friends and family that reached out to provide support.
Donations in memory of Debbie will be gratefully accepted by the Alberta Cancer Foundation Cross Cancer Institute (11560 – University Ave. NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2). Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca.
Fantin’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with the arrangements.
(403) 562-8555