Debbie Steenhorst

It is with deep sadness the family announces the peaceful passing of Debbie Jean Steenhorst (nee McKell) on August 27, 2011 at Ian Anderson House, in Oakville, Ontario.

Born December 21, 1956, Debbie is survived by her loving husband Egbertus (`Ben'), daughters Emma; Cassie (Dave Tilson) of Burlington; father Donald McKell, siblings Keith; Dianne (Gregg Eastwood); Jeff; Dave (Brenda McQuaig), in Ormstown area, Quebec; Dean (Nami) in Japan as well as the many children and relatives too numerous to mention by name.

Debbie was an amazingly radiant and loving person, devoted to raising her family and enjoying life to the fullest, regardless of the circumstance. She had an unmistakeable resilience and ability to listen to every person that she met, always showing that she truly cared about helping everyone. Debbie had a strong heart, and was trusted by those she knew closest to confide in times of need. Her easy laughter and smile would always brighten every room she walked into. She was wise, selfless and always putting others ahead of herself.

Debbie is a graduate of Montreal's Sir John Abbott College and began her career as a Registered Nurse in 1977 at Ormstown Hospital; thereafter at Montreal's Queen Elizabeth Hospital on 4 East and later at ICU.

Resigning from the QEH in 1995 to support her family's relocation to Oakville, she stayed home for two years to dedicate her life to raising our daughters.

In 1997, she gained part-time employment at a local contract agency specializing in insurance medicals. In 2002, Debbie happily gained fulfilling employment at Mississauga's Credit Valley Hospital emergency room, providing comfort to all who met her. In January 2007, Debbie begrudgingly withdrew from active nursing, remaining home to courageously fight ovarian cancer.

Debbie has been lovingly provided compassionate care by oncologists Doctors A. Hirte, Juravinski Cancer Centre in Hamilton and L. Kaiser, Credit Valley, as well as staff at McMaster University Hospital (Hamilton), CCAC home-care and Dr. Rodger Glover, family physician. Our personal and profound gratitude goes to each soul that helped in her struggle.

Special mention for Ian Anderson House hospice for providing such unselfish love, support, comfort and dignity in a most difficult time. Truly, you are without words.

"I have been honoured, humbled and loved"

In lieu of flowers, donations to Ian Anderson House would be sincerely appreciated.

Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, September 3 2011, from 2 pm – 4 pm at Ward Funeral Home - Oakville Chapel 109 Reynolds Street Oakville, Ontario.

Funeral Service will be held Monday September 5, 2011 at Riverfield Presbyterian Church, Route 203, Riverfield, Quebec. Visitation 1:30 pm with service following at 2:30 pm.

Please visit a Book of Memories at www.wardfuneralhome.com