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.
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51 Responses
Dearest friend and colleague, you are now at peace. I will miss you terribly but I have many fond memories of our working together, traveling, and just hanging out. I will definitely miss the girl talks. I know Jim and family will miss you. Everytime I sip on a martini I know you will be having one also.
Deb, you were a butterfly, we are the flowers, and you came to touch us all.
With love, laughter and light Liz Ryan
My sincere condolences to Deb’s family and all who loved her. She will be missed and remembered with great respect by those of us whose lives she touched. Kind Regards, Maggie Ramsey
My mother, Dorothea Derringer Nelson and I are so heartbroken to learn of Deb’s too soon passing. We shed some tears over her niece and my cousin as we discussed what a wonderful woman she was. We have so many special memories of Debbie as a child, teenager and adult. I was so happy when Debbie moved to Sarnia. It was fantastic having a cousin living in the same city and province as me. I felt like I had a big sister!
The world has benefited from having her in the world and she truly will be missed. Our condolences to her loving husband , Jim and his family.
Deb was both a trusted colleague and, most memorably, my RM care provider during my pregnancy. I will always be grateful for the lessons and care she generously shared.
Deb was an incredible member of our maternity community both as a provider and in a leadership position. Working with her was a pleasure and an honor and my heartfelt condolences to her family.
I learned so much from Deb throughout my fourth year of midwifery school and my first year of practice (2007). I still think of the things she taught me after all these years. She will be missed. Condolences to her family and friends.
Deb helped deliver my son Owen in September 2012 & I was just so incredibly grateful to have her there with us through that process. She brought such a calm, kind energy to the experience as well as a great sense of humour, she helped us smile even when things were hard. I felt so fortunate to have her wisdom & wealth of knowledge with us to help bring our son into the world. She was a remarkable woman who touched so many lives. My sincere condolences to all of her family & close friends.
Dear Jim, we are saddened to hear this news. Deb was such a wonderful loving partner for you, and a wonderful role model for many. Lots of happy memories were made during her life for you and your family, and for others fortunate to have known her.
Sending much love, Hugs, Bev and Dave.
Dear Deb, you will always be fondly remembered for your clear and compassionate presence. Rest in peace.
Dear Jim, sympathy and prayers to you and your family.
Heartfelt condolences to Deb’s husband and family.
As a midwife in Victoria, I benefited from Deb’s staunch advocacy for the profession, both before legislation, and within the Island Health Authority as Co-Head of the Midwifery Department.
May you all find solace together while you grieve, remembering Deb and all she contributed, to you as a family and to the midwifery community.