On Friday, April 12, 2024, as the sun rose, Debora Helen Yeo (nee Ahlsten) took her last breath surrounded by her children and husband.
Debbie was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, and granny who loved her family more than anything. The oldest of five, she learned how to command attention and keep the peace. She lived her life in service to her family and her mom. Always trying to make sure everyone was happy and taken care of. She had an opinion and let you know what it was. Listening to people vent was one of her superpowers, and advising whether you wanted it or not was guaranteed. Her happiest places were summers at the Lake, and winters in Mesa, Arizona. Spring was her favourite time of year. Pointing out that the trees had been budding in the last couple of weeks with an excited tone in her voice. She loved the outdoors when she got outside, and the sun on her face when she eventually stepped off the deck. Debbie was obsessed with the weather and possibly missed her calling as a meteorologist. She loved to garden and plant flowers. Often entering into a competition with the grandkids to see whose flower pot would grow to be the prettiest by the end of the summer. Behind the camera capturing endless photos. Reading and gaming were the hobbies that she spent endless hours doing over the last few years.
The grandkids, Autumn, Tadhg, Logan, Brayden, Megan, Chloe, and Evelyn, called her Granny. They shared a connection with her that will transcend their lives, even in her absence. Her children Kelli (Scott), Lindsey (Brian), and Matthew (Brigitte) kept her on her toes and challenged her, but she loved them with all her heart. Her husband, Tim, was her companion, friend, pain in her butt, and finally her exceptional caregiver.
Stubborn, fierce, a scrapper, and a never-give-up attitude is how we would describe her the best over the last few years. She gave it her best fight right up until her final days. She exceeded all expectations set by the doctors and spent her final years doing things her way. Debbie rallied and travelled from her palliative care bed to be by her mom’s side for the final 4 days of her mom’s life. She was predeceased by, her mom, Olga Helen Ahlsten, on April 10, 2024. The loss she felt and the energy she expended being by her side proved to be too much, and she followed her mom to heaven two days later. Her siblings Judy (Kyle), Willie, Beverley, and Joanie (David) have lost their big sister and their mom in a few short days. Her nephews Rob (Jaime), Adam, Scott (Jaclyn), Alex (Taylor), Parker, and Zach have lost their Auntie Debbie and their grandma.
Our family has suffered two terrible losses, but know that they are together and watching over us. We also take comfort in that Uncle Ron, Curtis, and other friends and family who have left before Mom and Grandma are showing both of them the ropes. The two of them are probably driving everyone crazy.
She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.
Our family would like to extend our thanks and gratitude to the staff of Unit 43 at the Grey Nuns Hospital for the outstanding care Mom received.
Celebration of Life
An informal celebration of life will be held on
Sunday, April 28, 2024
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
at the Dew Drop Inn
4539 49 Street
Gibbons, AB
Please arrive anytime as there will not be any formal service.
This is a gathering to celebrate her life.
Food and nonalcoholic refreshments will be served.
Please think of your favourite memory of Debbie
to share with us on an index card.
These memories will be collected and collated with photos
in a book for the grandchildren.
If you have any photos to share or if you wish to share your memories in advance please send them to memoriesofdebyeo@gmail.com.
Memorial Donations
In lieu of flowers please donate to the Canadian Cancer Society.
