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Debra Waterston

April 4, 2024

It is with our deepest sadness that we share the passing of the beautiful Debra Waterston. She passed away in the early morning hours on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at the age of 66. She was surrounded by the love and support of family and close friends after battling Pancreatic Cancer for almost a year. If positivity could have saved her, she would be with us now as she was the most amazing, loving, caring person. Debra fought like a true champion and was able to stay in her home until the night before her passing at LHSC–Victoria Hospital.

Her battle is over and we have full faith that she is in a better place and at Peace with God and our family that has passed before including her mom and sister, Elsie Waterston and Lana Waterston.

She is loved and missed by her immediate family, daughter Michelle Douglas and grandsons, Amari and Mekhi Douglas. Her first cousin (sister) Barbara Graham and the Graham family, Les, Adam, Andrew, Morgan, and Amanda. Her chosen daughter Melissa El Khatib (sister of Michelle), and cousins Karen Larson and family, and Jane Heetderks and family plus all of her extended family.

Debra is remembered by many incredible friends as she was very active in her community and loved to be social.

We would like to thank the members of the Home and Community Care Palliative Team, particularly Nurse Deepthi; Nurse Zoe in the Emergency Department at Victoria Hospital; Nurses Jing and Taylor who were among the incredible care team on D-700; and lastly, Doctor Breadner’s Oncology team.

In honour of Debra’s memory, there will be a visitation at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London on Thursday, April 11, 2024 from 4:00-6:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 6:00 p.m. Please join us in this Celebration of Life.

To view Debra’s live streamed service, please click here: Remembering Debra

Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Debra are asked to please consider the Children’s Health Foundation or West Bloom Flowers at 519-474-6000 if you would like to send flowers.

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Deb will be missed terribly by everyone who knew her. She was always so cheerful and caring. Our group of BMO friends will remember her with great fondness and sorrow. RIP dear sweet Deb. We all love you.

~ Judy Sutherland

Michelle and Family: Please accept my heartfelt Sympathy on your Mom's, grandmother's and sister's passing. May your love for Debbie live on in your hearts and may her soul rest in eternal peace with our Heavenly Father, her Mom and Sister.

~ Diana Ahing

My heartfelt condolences to Michelle. Amari, Meikhi. Barb and Family! In these moments, when there are no words, know that the ones we love remain beside us, now and always! Debra had the most beautiful smile! She would light up our gym classes. Her positivity, her generosity will always be remembered. I will miss our coffee/tea times at Tim's after gym classes and all the visits we shared during her illness R.I.P.

~ Bernadette Lamont

My sincere condolences and sympathies to Michele and your amazing boys. I worked with Deb for many years at BMO. A truly amazing and positive woman. She will be truly missed.

~ Brenda Channer

My condolences to the family. Deb’s positivity and beautiful smile will be great missed at 925 Lawson.

~ Luba

My sincere condolences go out to the family, daughter Michelle, grandsons, Amari & Mekhi as well as to the Graham family; cousin Barb, Les, Amanda, Andrew & Morgan, Adam & all other family members. Deb was truly an inspiration to all with her positive attitude & constant smile, as well as her generosity. She will be remembered lovingly. With her kind spirit she was constantly thinking of how she could make everyone else’s life better. I will miss her daily shares on FB as to “have a nice day”. Even in her own pain it was something she did without thought to send a positive message to family & friends. The love for her family was truly an inspiration. I am truly blessed to call you my friend & I will miss you everyday. RIP Deb.

~ Dorothy Rice

My sincere condolences go out to the family, daughter Michelle, grandsons, Amari & Mekhi as well as to the Graham family; cousin Barb, Les, Amanda, Andrew & Morgan, Adam & all other family members. Deb was truly an inspiration to all with her positive attitude & constant smile, as well as her generosity. She will be remembered lovingly. With her kind spirit she was constantly thinking of how she could make everyone else’s life better. I will miss her daily shares on FB as to “have a nice day”. Even in her own pain it was something she did without thought to send a positive message to family & friends. The love for her family was truly an inspiration. I am truly blessed to call you my friend & I will miss you everyday. RIP Deb. ❤️

~ Dorothy Rice

As Deb's client for many years, there was never a time when she wasn't bright and enthusiastic about dealing with any serious bank matter at hand. Business over, we'd then laughingly talk for awhile about our families, flowerbeds and maybe even that crazy deer that leapt over her new car ("What was it thinking?"). With fond memories of Deb, Cam Paton

~ Cam Paton

Deb was one of the nicest people I had the pleasure to work with. Always happy and very considerate to both her staff and customers. She tried her best to make the workplace a fun one….we will miss you Deb

~ Pat trupish

You will be missed Deb. I enjoyed all our dancing together at Zumba and our times out with the gang. You were one of a kind , generous, beautiful and loved by all. RIP my friend.

~ Laura verrinder

A truly kind and gentle soul, my condolences, Vicki Millman

~ Victoria Millman

My condolences to Michelle, Amari, Mekhi and the whole family for your tragic loss. Deb talked about her grandsons with so much pride, and such fierce love. Deb attended my class at Goodlife for many years and she became a dear friend to me and so many in the class. She was always at the front dancing, smiling and vibing to the music. She always greeted new participants and made them feel comfortable with her beautiful smile and amazing positivity. She was one of the kindest people I have ever met. Her thoughtfulness and kindness are a part of me know, and I will cherish and honor that. Deb, you are so missed.

~ Alison Seidler

I will miss you Deb, especially our little talks we had every chance we had. You are an inspiration. You shared love & respect to all that came into your life. You were positive and always thought the best & said "All would be OK! Rest in peace, dear friend, I will miss you. Yvonne Houle

~ Yvonne Houle

Rest in peace lovely Debra. Remembering her in our exercise class. She was very welcoming to newcomers. I loved her dancing and beautiful smile. You are truly missed. 🙏

~ Jennifer Jolliffe

So sad to hear of Deb’s passing. Sincere condolences to the Graham family and to Miche and boys. Thinking of you all.

~ Denise Sheriff


Debbie and I lived oceans apart, but ot felt like she was next door every time we connected. She was an amazing grandmother, one who was very present and involved. I admired her relationship with her daughter. We all have mothers, but not all of us have good mothers. Debbie was a good mother. She was also a good friend, and a caring person. One of the things I will always remember, is her smile. May she rest peacefully with the ancestors and other loved-ones. 💖

~ Cheryl Rouse

Deb was an inspiration to me and her fellow aerobic sisters. She always had a smile on her face and was never down about anything. I will always remember her positive attitude. Rest in peace Deb. I know you are in a better place. My sincere condolences to your family.

~ Mrs. Shirley Hachey

Services for Debra Waterston

Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario

April 11, 2024 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Funeral Service will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario

April 11, 2024 6:00 pm

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If you wish to make a donation, please consider one of the charities listed below. You will be taken to the charity's website to process your payment.

Children's Health Foundation

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