Obituary for Debra Lou "Debbie" Bawks (Bawks)
Debra “Debbie” Lou Bawks: February 5th, 1967 - February 24th, 2021
Debra “Debbie” Bawks passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 24th, 2021, at the young age of 54, surrounded by her family at Temiskaming Hospital. Debbie is survived by her loving partner of 15 years, Keith Savoie; her three beloved children, Liberti, Max, and Sophie Rosepetal; and her dear siblings, Tracey, Sherri (Rory), John (Penny), and Jan (Dan). She is deeply missed by her many nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family. She is predeceased by her loving parents, Arlene and John “Jack” Bawks.
Debbie was a beautiful woman inside and out. She was a kind-hearted, compassionate person, with a sensitive soul and a heart of gold. Deb was incredibly intelligent, thoughtful, and multifaceted. She could whip up the most creative crafts and delicious meals with whatever was on hand, and was constantly thinking of others and practicing small acts of kindness for family, friends, and strangers alike. Debbie had the most incredible memory; she remembered every single birthday and anniversary, and could crack everyone up recounting the most detailed stories from her life (her chocolate Easter bunny story could make anyone laugh every time). She dealt with everything, good and bad, with her sharp wit and “nutbar” sense of humour. Debbie was just like her Dad in that nobody could make her laugh more than herself, which made everyone around her laugh, too.
When Debbie loved you, she made sure that you knew it in many small ways. She had a way of connecting personally with everyone she met, but aside from her immediate family, she had notably special relationships with her cousins Lori and Darren; her niece Ashley; and a few close friends from her youth in Ontario and her years in British Columbia. During her time in BC, she was the most devoted and loving mother; her most cherished role was being a Mom. Her children meant the world to her, and she wrote and spoke about them often. Journaling was her outlet her entire life, and she channeled all of her thoughts and feelings into beautifully written, honest words throughout the years. She enjoyed checking in on everyone, whether through a phone call, social media, or a handwritten letter, and would always lend a helping hand and listening ear to anyone who may need it, regardless of her own struggles.
We take comfort in the thought that Debbie is at peace now, gardening, laughing, reading, and cooking up a storm with her Mom, Dad, and favourite aunties. She dreamed of a “little yellow cottage” that she could escape to and be happy; our hope is that she is there now. There is no one quite like her, and she will always be sorely missed by all who knew her.
As per her wishes, cremation has taken place. Arrangements have been entrusted to Buffam Leveille Funeral Home. No service will be held, but online condolences can be shared at www.buffamleveille.com. Memorial donations to a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated by the family.
Debra “Debbie” Bawks passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 24th, 2021, at the young age of 54, surrounded by her family at Temiskaming Hospital. Debbie is survived by her loving partner of 15 years, Keith Savoie; her three beloved children, Liberti, Max, and Sophie Rosepetal; and her dear siblings, Tracey, Sherri (Rory), John (Penny), and Jan (Dan). She is deeply missed by her many nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family. She is predeceased by her loving parents, Arlene and John “Jack” Bawks.
Debbie was a beautiful woman inside and out. She was a kind-hearted, compassionate person, with a sensitive soul and a heart of gold. Deb was incredibly intelligent, thoughtful, and multifaceted. She could whip up the most creative crafts and delicious meals with whatever was on hand, and was constantly thinking of others and practicing small acts of kindness for family, friends, and strangers alike. Debbie had the most incredible memory; she remembered every single birthday and anniversary, and could crack everyone up recounting the most detailed stories from her life (her chocolate Easter bunny story could make anyone laugh every time). She dealt with everything, good and bad, with her sharp wit and “nutbar” sense of humour. Debbie was just like her Dad in that nobody could make her laugh more than herself, which made everyone around her laugh, too.
When Debbie loved you, she made sure that you knew it in many small ways. She had a way of connecting personally with everyone she met, but aside from her immediate family, she had notably special relationships with her cousins Lori and Darren; her niece Ashley; and a few close friends from her youth in Ontario and her years in British Columbia. During her time in BC, she was the most devoted and loving mother; her most cherished role was being a Mom. Her children meant the world to her, and she wrote and spoke about them often. Journaling was her outlet her entire life, and she channeled all of her thoughts and feelings into beautifully written, honest words throughout the years. She enjoyed checking in on everyone, whether through a phone call, social media, or a handwritten letter, and would always lend a helping hand and listening ear to anyone who may need it, regardless of her own struggles.
We take comfort in the thought that Debbie is at peace now, gardening, laughing, reading, and cooking up a storm with her Mom, Dad, and favourite aunties. She dreamed of a “little yellow cottage” that she could escape to and be happy; our hope is that she is there now. There is no one quite like her, and she will always be sorely missed by all who knew her.
As per her wishes, cremation has taken place. Arrangements have been entrusted to Buffam Leveille Funeral Home. No service will be held, but online condolences can be shared at www.buffamleveille.com. Memorial donations to a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated by the family.