Obituary for Deb Cameron
CAMERON, Deborah Ann (Maher) (Deb)
On April 10th, Deb Cameron passed away peacefully with Jim at her side, at Sakura House in Woodstock, following a 10-year battle with cancer. She rose to this immense challenge with positivity, humour, and her trademark fashion sense.
Best friend, travel partner, and wife to Jim. Together for 47 years, she was the absolute love of his life, ever since that fateful weekend at Vanderwater Park. Jim and Deb built their dream home together in which they raised their children with love and laughter. In the later years, Jim was the most devoted, compassionate, and organized caregiver anyone could hope for.
Deb wrote that “her family was her heart and soul who brought her more joy than could ever be imagined.” She was adored by her children Jenna Cameron (Derek), Nikki Cameron (Greg), Charles Cameron (Jasmeet) and Bella. She was the “cool mom” to any of their friends who walked into the family home. Deb was an open-minded, fun, empathetic, and endlessly supportive mother to each of her kids in exactly the way they needed her. As her children grew into adulthood, she remained a guiding force, confidant, and best friend.
Deb wrote that her upbringing in Point Anne, “resonates in memories of childhood, playing in the woods, swimming in the Bay of Quinte and generally being free frange, run-a-muck kids guided by our mother from where we gained forever grace, strength and poise”. She was born on October 19, 1956, to Ettje and Leo Maher in Belleville, ON. She will be dearly missed by her sisters Linda (Waugh), Gail Watt (Rick), Patty Maher and by brothers Jim Maher (Melanie), and Dennis Maher. She was predeceased by brother Eric Maher and will be remembered by many nieces, nephews, and grandnieces. Deb treasured her time spent with the Cameron family. She is predeceased by her father-in-law G.R Cameron, Marion, Barbara, and brother-in-law Roderick “Squitz”. Remembered with joy by Sheila Cameron (David).
Deb enjoyed a long career as an educator at IDCI, Huron Park, CASS and as a Learning Coordinator at TVDSB. She was a passionate teacher who cared deeply for her students and went above and beyond to act as a champion for every student. Deb was committed to building positive school-community relationships that have lasted well beyond her retirement. A bonus of her career were the wonderful coworkers who became friends. Deb treasured her visits with Greener and could always be counted on to start the party with the girls from IDCI. Deb always said, “The essence of adolescence is trust,” -Gord Downie.
Throughout her life Deb maintained deep friendships with her high school crew in Belleville with whom she enjoyed ski trips, camping and raucous nights at the Red Lion. Deb and Jim always looked forward to annual family vacations with John and Deb Boyce who will forever be “bonus parents” to their children. When Deb moved to London, she brought Jim along with her and they expanded their circle of friends through their studies at Western University and employment at Eatons. During this time “Saint Eileen” came into the Cameron family. The couple has enjoyed decades of festivities and Friday nights with their neighbours around Noxon Street.
The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to the amazing healthcare team who has supported Deb and Jim throughout this journey; Dr. Blanchette and LRCC team, Surgeon Dr. Swart, the Woodstock chemotherapy team, Pauline, Grace, Tina, Sharon, Marlene, and the team at Sakura House.
A hell of a celebration of life will be held at a later date. In the meantime, you are encouraged to listen to the Tragically Hip, make something beautiful or drink an OV. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Fusion Youth Centre or Sakura House.
Arrangements entrusted to the McBeath-Dynes Funeral Home 519-425-1600.
Personal condolences may be posted at www.mcbeathdynes.ca
On April 10th, Deb Cameron passed away peacefully with Jim at her side, at Sakura House in Woodstock, following a 10-year battle with cancer. She rose to this immense challenge with positivity, humour, and her trademark fashion sense.
Best friend, travel partner, and wife to Jim. Together for 47 years, she was the absolute love of his life, ever since that fateful weekend at Vanderwater Park. Jim and Deb built their dream home together in which they raised their children with love and laughter. In the later years, Jim was the most devoted, compassionate, and organized caregiver anyone could hope for.
Deb wrote that “her family was her heart and soul who brought her more joy than could ever be imagined.” She was adored by her children Jenna Cameron (Derek), Nikki Cameron (Greg), Charles Cameron (Jasmeet) and Bella. She was the “cool mom” to any of their friends who walked into the family home. Deb was an open-minded, fun, empathetic, and endlessly supportive mother to each of her kids in exactly the way they needed her. As her children grew into adulthood, she remained a guiding force, confidant, and best friend.
Deb wrote that her upbringing in Point Anne, “resonates in memories of childhood, playing in the woods, swimming in the Bay of Quinte and generally being free frange, run-a-muck kids guided by our mother from where we gained forever grace, strength and poise”. She was born on October 19, 1956, to Ettje and Leo Maher in Belleville, ON. She will be dearly missed by her sisters Linda (Waugh), Gail Watt (Rick), Patty Maher and by brothers Jim Maher (Melanie), and Dennis Maher. She was predeceased by brother Eric Maher and will be remembered by many nieces, nephews, and grandnieces. Deb treasured her time spent with the Cameron family. She is predeceased by her father-in-law G.R Cameron, Marion, Barbara, and brother-in-law Roderick “Squitz”. Remembered with joy by Sheila Cameron (David).
Deb enjoyed a long career as an educator at IDCI, Huron Park, CASS and as a Learning Coordinator at TVDSB. She was a passionate teacher who cared deeply for her students and went above and beyond to act as a champion for every student. Deb was committed to building positive school-community relationships that have lasted well beyond her retirement. A bonus of her career were the wonderful coworkers who became friends. Deb treasured her visits with Greener and could always be counted on to start the party with the girls from IDCI. Deb always said, “The essence of adolescence is trust,” -Gord Downie.
Throughout her life Deb maintained deep friendships with her high school crew in Belleville with whom she enjoyed ski trips, camping and raucous nights at the Red Lion. Deb and Jim always looked forward to annual family vacations with John and Deb Boyce who will forever be “bonus parents” to their children. When Deb moved to London, she brought Jim along with her and they expanded their circle of friends through their studies at Western University and employment at Eatons. During this time “Saint Eileen” came into the Cameron family. The couple has enjoyed decades of festivities and Friday nights with their neighbours around Noxon Street.
The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to the amazing healthcare team who has supported Deb and Jim throughout this journey; Dr. Blanchette and LRCC team, Surgeon Dr. Swart, the Woodstock chemotherapy team, Pauline, Grace, Tina, Sharon, Marlene, and the team at Sakura House.
A hell of a celebration of life will be held at a later date. In the meantime, you are encouraged to listen to the Tragically Hip, make something beautiful or drink an OV. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Fusion Youth Centre or Sakura House.
Arrangements entrusted to the McBeath-Dynes Funeral Home 519-425-1600.
Personal condolences may be posted at www.mcbeathdynes.ca