Halifax, NS
October 2, 1946 – July 4, 2024
Deb was born in Ottawa October 2, 1946. Her parents, the late Harry and Hilda (Fisher) Mitcheltree, provided their children with a loving and nurturing childhood, always encouraging their interests and fostering their love of travel.
Deb is survived by Burgess Malcolm (Bim), her friend of 62 years and husband of 53 years, her beloved sons Andrew (Lynda Earle) of Liverpool, and Neil (Stephanie Au) of Vancouver. She adored her granddaughters Kiera and Naomi in Liverpool and Stella and Leoni in Vancouver and delighted in sharing 'Nana's Irish songs' at bedtime. Deb is also survived by her much loved brother Paul Mitcheltree (Sylvia) and their sons Daniel and Christopher as well nieces, nephews and cousins in Canada, and around the world.
Deb enjoyed hiking, biking, swimming, sailing and camping with family and friends.
She particularly cherished memories of adventures in Europe, Barbados, Belize, St Lucia, California, Alaska and Ireland with her husband and sons. Deb fulfilled a dream in 2008 when she and Bim traveled to the Galapagos Islands and then completed the challenging four day trek to Machu Picchu. She traveled on the last day of her life, returning from a wonderful trip to Ireland with Bim.
After graduating from Dalhousie and McGill Universities, Deb embarked on a career as a speech language pathologist assisting individuals with communication challenges. Her first four years were with the NS Hearing and Speech Clinic and the remainder spent traveling between schools throughout the Halifax County region. She felt blessed to have had such a rewarding career and was inspired by so many people with whom she worked.
Deb treasured her friendships and delighted in experiences shared with the special ‘speech
-language sisterhood' particularly during their annual June weekend in White Point. She valued time spent with neighbours and family friends, with members of the Full Deck book group, the creative buddies at Stitchery, and the ever enthusiastic members of the Wednesday Line Dancers.
Deb was committed to the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign of the Stephen Lewis Foundation. With her fellow Bay Grandmothers she worked to raise funds and awareness for the grassroots projects in sub-Saharan Africa. These support African Grandmothers and those in their care who have been affected by HIV AIDS.
Cremation has occurred. A celebration of life will occur at a later date. Information will follow.
If you care to make a donation in Deb's name please consider the Grandmother to Grandmother Campaign c/o the Stephen Lewis Foundation - 260 Spadina Avenue, Suite 501 Toronto ON MST 2E4 Canada
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