DEBNAM, Loraine

LORAINE DEBNAM 1948 – 2024 Loraine Debnam of Lethbridge, Alberta, cherished Mama of Holly Debnam (Dwight Marthaller) and much-loved Nana of Chase Debnam passed away peacefully at her cottage on October 18, 2024.
Born in White Horse, Yukon on February 16, 1948, to Chuck & Laura Hayward, the family moved across the country to Ontario and then back west to Calgary – by that time two siblings Gloria Black (Barry) and Ed Hayward (Pam) were added to the clan. Loraine attended Red Deer Lake School, Henry Wise Wood High School and The University of Calgary.
Marrying in 1969 saw Loraine settle in Millarville, where she made countless contributions to the community. She worked tirelessly behind the scenes of a multitude of committees, groups, and events. Among her most proud accomplishments were her involvement in the Community School designation process as well as being the founding editor of The Millarville Messenger.
Loraine is revered for the story reading talents she shared during her time as the Librarian at Millarville Community School. Over the course of her 25-year career she filled many positions from Administrative Secretary (aka “Boss of the School”) to unofficial expert loose tooth remover! During her tenure she was a memory bank of details and history, a consummate organizer, a sharer of wisdom and a source of logic and comfort. She touched the lives of every family whose children went through her school.
The flower garden was Loraine’s place of tranquility and deep thought. Thanks to her vision and hard work each home she lived in had beautiful park like landscaping and plantings, each painstakingly planned and executed to perfection. She found great contentment in sitting on her deck or patio looking out over the natural beauty she helped cultivate.
Loraine found the greatest joy in time spent with her loved ones. This was the basis of her move to Lethbridge – to be near Holly. As her time in the windy city progressed, her Grandson and “Best Boy” Chase came to be another light in her life. She kept her connection to family with daily phone calls with her mom. Loraine treasured the friendships she made. And she held close many special people she connected with over her lifetime; University friends, work colleagues, fellow volunteers, neighbors, and those who she added as chosen family – all felt her kindness and compassion.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am, on Friday, November 1, 2024, at PARK MEADOWS BAPTIST CHURCH, 2011, 15 AVENUE NORTH, Lethbridge, Alberta. To watch the service via livestream, please go to https://youtube.com/live/l6BYH0C81ks?feature=share
Her love for children and caring nature brought her to Operation Christmas Child, where she helped procure items and assemble thousands of boxes for “The Far Away Kids”. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Samaritan’s Purse for Operation Christmas Child.
Visit www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.