Deborah Ann Ross was born September 7th, 1952 in Victoria BC, where she lived until the age of 12 when her family moved to Duncan BC. Upon high school graduation, Deb joined the Canadian Military which took her to Ontario. Deborah was eventually posted to Chilliwack BC, where she lived and raised her children for 21 years. A dream of Deborah’s was to move back to Vancouver Island, which she did in 2006. She lived in Courtenay until her battle with colon cancer quickly ended on September 21st, 2016. Deb served in the Canadian Military as a teletype operator and photographer for 11 years, was a prison guard and worked with youth at risk, and worked on a crisis line. Deborah became a life skills coach and worked in employment skills, and then obtained a B.A. in Criminal Justice in 1994. She ended her career working for the government as a program delivery officer. Deborah’s was very proud of her service based career. Deborah loved her dogs--she enjoying walking them in the forest and watching their silly antics. She adopted many animals throughout her life. Deb was an avid gardener and always grew beautiful flowers. Her most exciting travel destination was Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia. Deb made her own wine, loved antiques and enjoyed “garage sailing”. Deborah is survived by her daughters Kathleen (Mario) and Shannon (Christien), her granddaughter Madelyn, her brother Stephen (Helen), her nieces Margaret and Roberta, and her Sprocker Spaniel Charlotte. She is predeceased by her parents Robert and Victoria Ross (nee Walzack). Deborah’s family would like to thank the staff and volunteers at Saint Joseph’s Hospital and the Comox Valley Hospice Society for their wonderful care. Deborah did not want a memorial service, but to honour her life, donations may be made to the Deborah Ross Memorial Fund for Animals in Need at Tsolum Veterinary Clinic in Courtenay BC. Deborah will be buried next to her parents in the Ross family plot in Duncan BC.