Obituary of Deborah Gail Whitaker

(nee Armstrong)

February 23, 1950 - March 8, 2013

It is with a feeling of deep sadness that we announce the passing of our wife, mother and nana after a courageous twenty-five year battle with multiple sclerosis that bit by bit took her ability to do things from her until it left her completely bed-ridden and unable to do anything for herself for the past four years. Deb was also susceptible to infections over the years and because she carried the 'super-bug' fighting them proved to be more difficult each time. The time proved too hard and after a month-long illness she has gone on to a better life.

Deb never complained although she was saddened when the disease took away her ability to do the things she loved to do. She loved to draw, to dance, picnics, to go for walks with her family - in fact she just loved being Deb. Through it all she never once lost her dry sense of humour nor did she waver in her Christian faith. Deb often said that while she was alone, she was never lonely. She continued to provide inspiration to all who visited her until close to the end.

Deb was predeceased by her mother and father Douglas and Olive Armstrong (nee Evans). Left to carry on her legacy are her husband and best friend David of forty-three years, her children Melissa (Kevin), Travis and Steven (Tamra), and her four grandchildren Preston, Connor, Mark and Kayla, whom she loved dearly although she was saddened somewhat that the disease had taken away her ability to do things with them that a nana would do.

We would like to give special thanks to all of the ladies from Home Support who went above and beyond in looking after Deb's needs without robbing her dignity over these many years. A special thanks also goes to her friend Chris whose faithful visits were always so uplifting to Deb and to a very special friend Peter who has agreed to lead a tribute to Deb that will be announced later in the spring.

We request that you do not send flowers or make donations in Deb's name, instead, as Deb would have preferred, we ask that to honour Deb you do one random act of kindness of your own choosing sometime in the near future. Deb made the world a better place - to pay tribute to her you can too!

Deb considered herself blessed. We are all blessed to have known Deb. Deb was a true living example of the biblical concept found in Genesis 12 which details God's covenant with Abraham. Deb, was indeed, Blessed to be a Blessing.

Dave, Mel, Steve and Families

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service.

Condolences for the family can be offered at:

www.mcphersonfh.com