DEBORAH CARLIN

Posted: December 1st, 2021

July 24, 1953 – November 28, 2021

 

“Mother, if tears could build a stairway and memories a lane,

I‘d walk right up to heaven and bring you home again”

 

Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend left us on Sunday, November 28, 2021, at the age of 68 years to continue her journey. Deborah “Debbie” Lee Nieman was born on July 24, 1953, in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Despite living in Calgary for more than 45 years, Debbie considered Medicine Hat home. Debbie met her future husband, Brian Carlin while he was playing for the Medicine Hat Tigers. They were happily married for 49 years. During that time, they welcomed two daughters, Tamara and Jillaine.

Debbie was an animal lover with tenderness for all creatures, particularly dogs. She treasured her furry companions, most recently her feisty pup, Dudley. Debbie was known to carry spare leashes in her purse in case a dog needed to be rescued. Chica was one such four legged friend who was saved from the streets of Mexico and brought home to a better life.

Debbie will be remembered by many as a loyal friend with a huge heart. She touched so many with her kindness, compassion, generosity and support. Beautiful and radiant, Debbie was described by many as classy, sophisticated and was always put together. She was a fantastic cook and entertainer, being a guest in her home was always a treat…she thought of every detail.

Above all, Debbie loved her family. She was very proud of her grandchildren. They brought her tremendous joy. Debbie was their biggest fan and adored attending school concerts, dance recitals and hockey games. She always held dear witnessing the births of her five grandchildren, waiting to welcome them to the world.

Remembered for her joyful laugh and love of travel, especially sunsets from her balcony in Puerto Vallarta while enjoying a margarita with her toes in the sand. Some of her fondest memories were the summertime boat cruises and dance parties, full of children’s antics and laughter. Debbie also held dear the cherished memories made over the years with her close friends “The Flamingo Sisters”.

Debbie faced her sudden diagnosis with tremendous courage and grace, rarely complaining and always making sure those she loved knew it. Debbie leaves behind her loving husband, Brian Carlin; daughters, Tamara (Brad) Isbister and Jillaine Carlin (Jason McFarlane); grandchildren, Carlin and Jorja Dezainde; Caden, Logan and Wyatt Isbister; Taylore and Shelby McFarlane; dear friend and brother, David Nieman and nephew, Stacy (Nadine) Jussila as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Debbie is reunited with her parents, Marjorie and Elmer Nieman and brothers, Larry and Allan “Bob” Nieman.

Debbie chose her final resting place to be Medicine Hat where a private family funeral service will be held on Sunday, December 5, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. Those wishing to join the family virtually and experience the Chapel Service are invited to watch via live-stream and may do so by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com and selecting the View Broadcast button on the homepage at service time. A Celebration of Life will be held in Calgary at a later date. Those wishing to be informed, are asked to email: remember ingdebbiecarlin@gmail.com. We gratefully thank all of our family and friends who assisted and supported Debbie during her brief but difficult battle.

The family expresses their deepest gratitude to Dr. Omair Siddiqui, Dr. Jason Tay, Dr. Samuel Schorr and nurse, Helen for their care and compassion. We would also like to thank the staff at Foothills Country Hospice for their amazing care during Debbie’s final days. If friends so desire, memorial donations in Debbie’s name may be made to the Medicine Hat SPCA, 55 Southwest Drive S.W., Medicine Hat, AB., T1A 8E8. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is

Cook Southland Funeral Chapel Crematorium & Reception Facility, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455 www.cooksouthland.com “Locally owned & directed”