Obituary of Debra Waldner

Debra Gail Waldner (née Topnik) was born on December 4, 1970, and passed away on Friday, July 7, 2023, at the age of 52 in her home.

She will be lovingly remembered by her husband Phil; her children Carissa (Josh), Kalyn and Dreysen; grandchildren Roman and Declan; mother Ruth and three sisters.

Debra was born and raised in southeast Manitoba and spent her childhood traveling and helping her parents with the family businesses. Mom got married to Phil on December 2^nd, 1989.  Her adventurous spirit quickly moved them to Alberta and they started a family. They returned to Manitoba in 2005 to be back home. Deb’s love for organization lead to her volunteering behind the scenes at church and South East Helping Hands.

Mom had a love for tv shows/movies and good books and landed her dream job working in the library at the high school. She also loved spending time outside with her family sitting under the oak trees watching her grandchildren play.

Mom’s drive for life was to protect and provide for her family. She made sure we never needed to worry in life.  She was a strong woman who held us together in a unique way. Mom enjoyed a good deal  - salesman beware. She loved sending her husband far and wide chasing deals especially for toys for her grandchildren, and it’s this drive that enabled her to travel the world with Phil and her children to many dream destinations.

Debra was diagnosed with cancer in November 2021, and fought hard to stay as long as she could. She made sure to prepare as much as she could for her passing so that her family are cared for. Deb lost her battle on July 7^th in her home with her family around her.

There will be a public come and go viewing held on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB.

The funeral will be held on Thursday, July 13, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Steinbach, MB. 

A special thank you to Dr. Toews and the staff at CancerCare for their support and care they provided us and Mom during her illness and final days.