JONES; Debbie
1954 - 2016
Deborah Anne Jones, 62, passed away June 2, 2016 in Chilliwack, BC with her family and friends at her side. She was born to Theresa and Les Quail on February 21, 1954 in Cranbrook, BC. Debbie grew up in Cranbrook, graduating from Mount Baker High School in 1973. Debbie married her high school sweetheart, Dick Jones, on June 18, 1977 in Cranbrook, BC. When asked about her "bucket list", she said that all she ever wanted was to be with her husband. Dick and Debbie started a family in Lillooet, BC, with the additions of David in 1980 and Jennifer in 1982. Later that year in 1982 the family moved to Hope, BC. Many friends will fondly remember Debbie as a hockey and figure skating mom. Like many families in Hope, the ice rink was a central part of daily life. She was always at the rink volunteering for Hope Minor Hockey and Hope Figure Skating, cheering on her son and daughter, and operating the concession stand with her family. Debbie worked as a public servant for decades, beginning with the Ministry of Corrections in Hope, then with Fraser Valley Mental Health in Chilliwack, BC. She would use these experiences and connections she made to fulfill her life's work as an advocate. Debbie cared deeply about advocating for those without a voice, for those who didn't recognize they needed help, and for those who couldn't afford help. In 2007, Debbie gained a daughter-in-law, Stephanie, then in 2012, took on her most important title, Nana. Debbie took frequent trips to Georgia to spend time with her granddaughter, Emmeline. They shared several adventures in the U.S. and Canada, including learning the arts of mall walking, sewing, baking, tea time, and exploring fire stations and farms. It was extremely rare to find Debbie without a brag book or her iPad, as she loved showing off pictures of her time with Emmeline. Since Debbie truly loved entertaining, she asked for her family and friends to gather for a celebration of life. Her specific requests included those in attendance wear bright colors, laugh, eat, and share their memories of her. Please join us for this celebration on Saturday, July 2, 2016 at 2 pm at the Best Western Rainbow Country Inn in Chilliwack, BC. In lieu of flowers, Debbie's family would like for donations to be made to the Canadian Mental Health Association in her honor at: www.cmha.ca/get-involved/donate