With great sorrow and heavy hearts, we share the passing of Debbie Smith after a courageous life with diabetes at the age of 62. Debra Louise Smith was born January 27th, 1960, in Duncan, the third of 4 girls to Mel & Betty Smith.
In her 20s, Debbie moved to Victoria and began her career in a dental office where she stayed for 40 years and from which she had recently retired. Warm and welcoming, her family, friends, colleagues, and patients all loved Debbie. She was everyone’s Aunty Deb. She spent many years making crafts, costumes and cookies to delight those around her. A great friend, who was generous with her time, she made memories at curling bonspiels, concerts and ringing in the new year.
Debbie loved her cup of tea, giving a perfectly wrapped gift and decorating for every holiday. She enjoyed scenic drives along the water, watching the cruise ships, and listening to music, but not too loud. Most of all, she loved people, was genuinely interested and had a memory second to none. She would laugh contagiously as she reveled in the practical jokes of others or the antics of anything cute, cuddly and four-legged.
She is survived by Mom, Betty, three sisters, Kathy (Ross) Hill, Maureen Smith and Heather Smith and five nieces and nephews whom she adored Jane (Owen), Joel (Rob), and Alex (Josh), Lu (Walter) and Em (Tom). She rests now with Dad, Mel, nephew, Jared and beloved bunny Sweetheart.
She left us too soon, knowing we loved her deeply.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the Sequoia Center, at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Thursday, July 28, 2022, at 2:00 pm. Donations to Diabetes Canada are appreciated.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Joan Mason
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Jarid Taylor Condolences to Debbie’s family. She made every interaction at that office a special one. She knew me from the time I was a young boy and always took care of me so well. She made sure I kept up with my dental care and she had such a lovely gentle aura. I always looked forward to seeing her! She will be greatly missed
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Marilyn Wilson My sincere condolences to all dear Debbie’s family. I was a client at the dental office back in the days of Dr. Kjekstad’s time. Debbie was always so helpful and very proficient. I remember when she got her bunny. She talked of the joy he brought to her. I am so sorry for your loss.
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Lorne & Dolly Argyle The Argyle Family
Condolences to Debbie’s Family.
All of us remembered Debbie’s friendly, cheerful welcome at every visit. She would always ask about all the family members and how they were doing. Debbie was just like one of the family. She will truely be missed.
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Suzanne Bulmer Dear Smith/Hill Family,
I worked for 20 years ‘down the hall’ from Deb, always loved it when she popped in for a chat, and was always so cheerful! My deepest condolences to you and your families.
Kindest regards
Suzanne Bulmer
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Melanie Taylor I just came from my dental appointment and I definitely felt a void and sadness with the recent passing of Debbie.
I’ll always remember Debbie for her friendly greetings every time I entered through the office door. She took care of my Mom as well as my son’s, so we knew her for 41 years as our dental receptionist. She’d ask about my family every visit which exemplified her genuine caring nature.
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Katrina Cleaver (Yelland) My heart goes out to you all! Betty, Kathy, Maureen, and Heather. I am so saddened to hear that my lovely “old” friend Debbie has passed away. She was kind, funny, compassionate, and oh so loyal! Who am I going to have tea with? So many memories over our long friendship. May you rest in peace, my friend.
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Lynda Skinner I was very sorry to hear of Debbies passing. I have been a dental client of hers for a very long time.She was a very personal person and always had a laugh for people.
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Laurie Petersen (Smith) So very saddened by this news especially when I just saw you at your temporary digs and you were so upbeat as usual. Although we didn’t see each other in person very much, we kept tabs on each other in social media. Always loved your comments on my travel posts. Really going to miss that Cuz. RIP Deb; with no more Illness, no more medication, just freedom and joy. Say hi to Uncle Mel for me.
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Vicki Hankins (Peet) My dearest thoughts to all. Debbie was my childhood friend that remained in my thoughts often. Glad to have had messenger to stay in touch in the last year. May she rest in peace and journey to her dad
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Kristine Oh Debbie, you were always a pleasure to be around, I loved all the great Smith/Rye family gatherings. You will be so dearly missed by everyone. Give Uncle Mel grandma an grandpa a huge hug. Love to your entire family during this difficult time.
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Debbie Tarkas Debbie was our favorite at the dentist’s office, caring and friendly and ever so welcoming. I’m saddened by the news and it breaks my heart as she was too young to go. Rest In Peace old friend
The Marsh family
Our family has been coming to the Kjekstad/Gallant dental office since 1985. Debbie was always there, always patient, helpful and friendly and remembered all the family connections, even when our daughter grew up and had her own family. In recent years, we knew she was coping with various health issues but her friendly, caring nature was always evident. My husband Larry and I will miss her smiling face. Our condolences to her family and to her many colleagues.