Debra Oliver, wife of Ian Oliver, of South Tetagouche passed away on Sunday May 9, 2021 at the Chaleur Regional Hospital at the age of 65.

Born in Bathurst, she was the daughter of the late Jim and Vivian (Roy) Whalen.

Besides her husband, she is survived by her daughters Lisa Caron (Chaz Thorne) of Halifax, NS and Victoria Caron (Dan Zintchenko) of Woodstock NB, and granddaughters Payton and Kersten.

One brother, Hugh Whalen (Liz Abraham) of Flower’s Cove, NB.

As well, her step-children Jennifer Oliver (Ray Lavigne), Clark Oliver (Tammy), Monica Oliver (Dan Wood), Josiane Seguin (Mike), and Mary Beth Landis, and seven step-grandchildren Christine, Ryan, Tanisha, Chelsea, Kaitlin, Carter and Grace.

Debbie worked as the store administrator at Shoppers Drug Mart in Bathurst for 28 years. She enjoyed her work and continued doing part-time bookkeeping for various companies following her retirement.

For several years, she was President of the Ludmila Knezkova-Hussey International Piano Competition. She was an active member of the First United Church and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 18, where she dedicated much of her time to various fundraising activities and events.

Debbie was most often found with Ian preparing meals together or tending to their garden. She cherished time around the table with family and friends. She had particularly special relationships with her granddaughters and step-grandchildren. Family events at the Oliver home were filled with love and laughter, making memories that will be treasured forever. Her strength was not loud, rather quiet, gentle, and peaceful.

Debbie’s family would like to thank the many caregivers who supported her: especially Dre Ariane Bouchard and her team, Dr Joel Gray (oncologist), the Extra-Mural nurses, and the Palliative Care team at the Chaleur Regional Hospital. It was heartwarming to witness the exceptional care and thoughtfulness that everyone showed Debbie. She was surrounded by warm, caring people devoted to making her comfortable, allowing her family great peace of mind.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Elhatton’s Funeral Home (www.elhatton.com) for public visitation on Sunday, May 16 from 2:00-4:00pm and 7:00-9:00pm. Please note physical distancing measures will be in place at the church and funeral home, and masks are mandatory. Funeral service will be by invitation only, celebrated on Monday, May 17 at First United Church, Bathurst.

For anyone wishing to send tokens of sympathy, the family would appreciate flowers, donations to the Chaleur Regional Hospital Foundation or the First United Church.