Debra (Debbie) Ann Rempel
February 24, 1957 - November 13, 2025
Tribute
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Debbie Ann Rempel, who died peacefully at the age of 68 on November 13, 2025 after a brief battle with cancer, with her sister Lisa by her side.
Born in Vancouver to Helen and Fred Rempel, Debbie spent her early years in Burnaby before her family moved to Abbotsford in the spring of 1970, where they began a raspberry farm. Those formative summers filled with berry‑picking, horseback rides, and caring for farm animals, instilled in her a lifelong love for all creatures.
Pursuing that passion, Debbie earned a diploma in Veterinary Technology from Fairview College in Alberta’s Peace Country in 1980. She began her professional journey in Edmonton as a veterinary technician, later traveling to Europe where she worked as an Au pair. Upon returning to Abbotsford, she served at Clearbrook Animal Hospital before transitioning to Mountain View Farms in Langley. There, she played a role in the recovery programs for the Vancouver Island marmot and the Oregon spotted frog, contributing her expertise to the preservation of these endangered species.
Beyond her dedication to animal welfare, Debbie was a gifted painter and a talented florist. In 2017 she completed a florist diploma, and she delighted friends and family by creating beautiful floral arrangements for countless special occasions.
Wherever Debbie went, her ability to truly listen fostered deep connections and created lifelong, cherished friendships. She had a rare gift for making everyone feel heard and valued. She was an amazing sister, aunt, and a trusted friend to countless people. She will be missed by many.
Debbie is predeceased by her parents Fred and Helen Rempel, she is survived by her sister Lisa Urness (Leslie), her nieces and nephew Abra Garratt (Jason), Sarah Urness (Grant), Lindsay Storie (Merrick), and Todd Urness (Jamie) as well as many cherished friends, cousins and numerous grand‑nieces and grand‑nephews.
A celebration of Debbie’s life will be held at Emmanuel Mennonite Church on Saturday, December 6, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Vancouver Island Marmot Recovery Foundation, honoring the cause so dear to Debbie’s heart.
Condolences
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From: Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home
Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: John McGaire
Relation: Childhood neighbours in Burnaby BC.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
We were childhood neighbours for years when the Remple family lived in Burnaby BC.
I remember playing kick the can in all our front yards.
From: Karen Nelson
Relation: Cousin
To Debbie, I only knew you for a short time but will remember you for a lifetime. From one of your cousins , Karen Nelson
From: Leslie Williams
Relation: friend
Debbie and I met decades ago at Clearbrook Animal Hospital and grew a friendship made of equal parts long walks, gardening, Marvel movies, painting, bird watching, books, dogs, and meals with far too many calories.
We walked together almost every weekday—unless she was traveling (or it was wet; Debbie didn’t do wet). Those walks were full of laughter, random tangents, and the kind of conversations that could go from deep to ridiculous in about thirty seconds.
Debbie had a huge heart for people and carried a spirit full of gratitude. She had the ability to listen deeply, to make you feel heard and understood. She noticed the little things, appreciated the good in people, and never took the simple joys for granted. She gave her time generously—through volunteering, her care groups, and her always-busy social calendar. She was one of those quiet helpers who made sure others were doing okay, always checking in and showing up when it mattered. Her friendship helped me through some really tough times, and I’ll always be thankful for her.
She also had a truly wicked sense of humor and a wonderfully dry wit. Debbie could find the humor in almost anything, and her one-liners were legendary.
Debbie, I am going to miss you so much. It’s really not going to be the same without you—you made life so much brighter.
From: Krista Drury
Relation: Friend
I am so, so sorry about Debbie’s passing. I only knew her in the past few years from book club, but she was literally one of the sweetest, kindest people I’ve ever met in my life. I’m blessed to have known her. What a sad loss for us all, but most especially for those closest to her.
From: Tony Guglielmin
Relation: Family friend.
Debbie was an outstanding person and friend. We will miss her terribly as will many, many more. Our condolences to Lisa, Les and family. Love, Tony, Denise and Laura.
From: Mel Rempel & Ingrid Epp
Relation: Cousins
Lisa and family, our hearts hurt so much for you all. We had a lovely visit with Debra just like 10 days ago on our walk past A. Hospice. We were wishing for her to journey to Christmas with all it’s little joys. Debra was a cherished second cousin and an amazing human being. We will always remember her with fondness and love. Hugs, Mel Rempel + Ingrid Epp
From: Colette Howell
Relation: Friend
I met Debbie many years ago through our work with the Vancouver Island marmots. We hit it off immediately, it felt like we had know each other all our lives. I think thats the impact Debbie had on everyone she met, such a kind, caring and likeable soul. As the years went on we didn’t see each other or speak as often but when we did it was like we just picked up where we left off. Deepest condolences to Lisa and family and all of Debbie’s extended family and friends. Her departure from this world will leave a void in many hearts. Rest easy my friend, I will always remember your laugh and smile and kindness.
Colette
From: Tracy Forsyth
Relation: Friends
Deb was a wonderful person and knowing her made my world a brighter place. I am so fortunate to have enjoyed her friendship. She made a special impression on so many of us and she was lost to family and friends way too soon.
From: Lori Browne
Relation: Friend, co-worker
I sorry for your loss. One of the best people to work with. Always a mentor I recall when she asked me to do her hair as she had a date to go out for dinner. I appreciate having had that one on one time outside of work with Deb.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
Date & Time:
December 6, 2025
Beginning at 11:00am
Location:
Emmanuel Mennonite Church
3471 Clearbrook Road
Abbotsford, BC Canada
3471 Clearbrook Road
Abbotsford, BC Canada
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Floral Tributes may be ordered directly through our supplier for delivery throughout the entire lower mainland, from Hope to Vancouver:
Wiebe & Jeske Funeral Home
202-31314 Peardonville Rd.
Abbotsford BC
V2T 6K8
info@wiebeandjeskefh.com
604-859-5885
When ordering please have the name of the deceased, the date of the funeral service and the address/phone number of the delivery location for handy reference.
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