Deb died peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends. She met death with joyous expectation and peace. At age 68 she had been living with breast cancer for the past almost 8 years.
Deb was born April 8, 1954, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and grew up both there and in Sarnia, Ontario. Deb’s career was rich with wonderful experiences starting with her nursing education in Stratford Ontario. She then went on to study midwifery in Edinburgh, Scotland hoping to come back to Canada to work toward getting the profession of midwifery recognized here in Canada and BC. Deb worked in both Vancouver and finally in Victoria.
Deb was a highly respected Registered Nurse and then Registered Midwife. She was the co-founder of the Midwifery Demonstration Project at BC Women’s Hospital, culminating in the regulation of Midwifery in BC and a Clinical Assistant Professor with the UBC Faculty of Medicine. Deb began her midwifery practice in Victoria in 1998. Deb has mentored nurses and midwives into Midwifery with profound wisdom, respect, and humour.
She is greatly loved by her family and a multitude of friends throughout the world. She will be deeply missed by those who were so fortunate to know her. She wanted it said that: “I died; not just passing on and not saying goodbye; rather to say that I will see you all down the road later when we can all be together again.”
Deb has many fabulous friends and relatives but most importantly she is survived by her husband Jim Havens, her son Jamie and his wife Alex and two adorable grand rascals Jack (7) and Oliver (5). Deb loved you all so much and wished she could have reached out to many of you personally.
Condolences may be offered to family below.
McCall Gardens
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51 Responses
So sorry for your loss. Deb loved her family and was always talking about her grandson’s.
Jim, any time you want to talk give David and I a call.
I knew Deb since we were 10 years old. We were in Lionettes (drum and bugle corp), high school, high school band, and travelled Britain together. Deb and I were in a quartet with our horns and won 2 medals. I will miss our talks reminiscing our activities.
Deb knew nursing and midwifery. She was very smart. I always thought she could have been a doctor.
My whole family thought a lot of Deb.
Love you Deb, always.
This is a huge loss to the midwifery community. I had the honour of joining the Victoria midwifery world in early 2013 with Deb at the helm. Her grace and poise will not be forgotten.
Deb was my teacher during my final year of midwifery school and so much of who I became as a midwife is from her tutelage. I am so grateful! My condolences to Jim and her family.
Dear Deb
You were an inspiration and a wonderful, empowering midwife, manager and woman.
It was a privilege to have worked with you in the midwifery program.
My sincere condolences to all your family
I am so very sorry to hear of my Dear Friend’s passing .From our time in Stratford [nursing school…studies and shenanigans],to our trip to the East coast [between the year of study…
and 4 flat tires] ,to the flat in Edinburg Scotland and the tour North in our ‘rent a wreck’, Deb and I enjoyed growing ‘up’ together .I am so happy she followed me to Victoria B.C., as this is where her career and her love, Jim, found her. I miss you with all my heart.I will be seeing you down that road later, Deb [as we always have] ,where we can once again, be together.
A very beautiful friend gone to soon. I will miss you . Until we meet again .
Dear Jim, so very sorry to hear news of Deb. I am so pleased we had the B.C women’s hospital get together a few years ago and I got to see Deb and all the special people in her life. I remember Deb being so supportive and caring from the day I started at Grace Hospital. A great friend who was so much fun. Jim I hope thinking of Deb makes you smile more than cry she would like that. Deb had such a beautiful smile. Our thoughts are with you Jim & your family & friends
Deb is a light that will continue to shine within the hearts of all who knew her. Wishing you good healing and peace Jim.
I was so lucky to have known Deb as a friend and a midwifery preceptor. Deb embodied grace and calm. She was generous with her time and always open to teaching and learning. When she retired, she passed a lot of her equipment to me, so I get to carry many of her tools to work every day. I was so very fond of her. I’m so sad to hear of her passing and so grateful to have known her. All my love to you, Jim.
I had the privilege of knowing Deb through our breast cancer journey at Inspire Health. I will never forget our yoga mat support sessions. I feel lucky to have spent time with you. May you Rest In Peace Deb.