April 21, 1967 - January 3, 2019
Our beautiful, caring and loving Debbie was unexpectedly taken away from her loved ones far too soon.
Debbie was born at Burnaby General Hospital, shortly after her family moved to Penticton. This is where she seeded her infinite love of the Okanagan and all places sun and sand. The family moved to Richmond BC in 1984 where she finished her secondary schooling. While working at Labour Relations Board for 10 years, she met and married Terence Hill, the father of their beloved son. Justin David Hill was born September 16, 1994. They moved to Williams Lake in 1997. This is where she found her career passion in social work and supporting those in need.
She and Justin moved to Kamloops in 2000. Going to school, working and raising Justin as a single mom, she eventually completed her degree in social work in 2004 and headed back up to Williams Lake in 2005. This is also where a single rose was left on her desk. She met the love of her life, Mike Smith. Soon Debbie's family grew as she was welcomed with loving open arms into Mike's family.
Debbie, Mike and Justin eventually relocated to Kamloops where she continued her passion with non-profits including but not limited to: Brain Injury Association, Aids Society where she organized the first Aids walk in Kamloops, PIT Stop (People in Transition) which provided a healthy and caring environment for people experiencing the effects of poverty, and finally with Volunteer Kamloops as President.
Debbie's passion was helping those less fortunate. Her worry was always about others and never about herself. Our world, your world, just lost a woman whose unselfishness and great community spirit left a wonderful print on so many lives.
Debbie leaves behind her beloved husband Mike Smith, beloved son Justin Hill, mother Leslie Wenaus, sister Leslie Thornton, brother Raymond Boldt (Robin), sister Cindy Dorais (John), her step-children Andrew Smith, David Smith, Kristelle and Taelor Barrett and grandchildren Ever and Lauchlin. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and cherished friends. Debbie was predeceased by her father Jerry Boldt and grandparents Nick & Gertrude Boldt and Vernon & Evelyn Wenaus.
Please join Debbie's family in a Celebration of Life on January 19th at 2 pm at the Sandman Centre in Kamloops. This is open to the public. There will be a Facebook event titled Debbie Smith's Celebration of Life for more information.