August 21, 1947 - April 15, 2025
The Hartley family is deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, and Bubbe, Deborah Sharon Hartley, who died on April 15, 2025, at the age of 77. She passed peacefully, surrounded by those she loved, after a courageous twelve-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Despite her declining health in recent months, Debbie remained the effervescent, vibrant spirit we all cherished until the very end.
Debbie is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, Garry; her two grateful daughters, Kirsten and Sarah (Quinton); and her treasured grandchildren, Bella and Jack. She is also mourned by her sister, Shana (Alan), and their children, Joel and Neil (Karli), who will deeply feel her loss.
Born and raised in New Westminster, Debbie was part of a family that nurtured her creativity and curiosity. Her love of books, music, sewing, science, and learning was encouraged from a young age, and she found a lifelong passion in the arts. As a talented oboist and pianist, Debbie’s musical journey led her to meet Garry at band camp—a bond that later blossomed at UBC and into a beautiful marriage and a shared life filled with love and discovery.
Debbie’s career in education began in 1968 as a teacher in Burnaby, and in 1973, she and Garry made Prince George their home, where Debbie dedicated 31 years to School District 57. She was an ardent supporter of the arts community and an inspiration to countless students, serving as a teacher-librarian and the driving force behind the renowned Library Club. Many of her students consider her a mentor, and her legacy of nurturing young minds continues to resonate.
Debbie became a proud and beloved Bubbe not only to her own grandchildren but also to many others, offering a warm, enveloping spirit that made her an honorary Bubbe to all who were fortunate enough to know her. In 2010, Debbie and Garry moved to Kelowna, where in 2012, Debbie was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Undeterred, she embraced her diagnosis with unyielding curiosity and positivity, immersing herself in learning about the disease. It was through this journey that she formed some of her closest friendships, particularly with her Good Vibrations Group and the Parkinson’s Support Group. She also proudly served on the committee for the Annual Parkinson’s Super Walk, tirelessly raising funds for the Parkinson’s Society of BC.
Debbie was a bright light—a beacon of positivity and grace. She loved the natural world, and never lost her wonder for the stars and the earth. In the end, her walks around Munson Pond with Garry brought her as much joy as her motorhome adventures and international travels. Her inquisitive mind was never satisfied; there was never enough time for all the stories to be gathered or shared. It was her mantra, “Attitude, Fortitude, Gratitude” that held her steady throughout these past months. “Aren’t we lucky?” she would often say. And indeed, we are.
A celebration of Debbie’s life will be held at The Balmoral Community Private Clubhouse at 2365 Stillingfleet Road in Kelowna on Sunday, June 8th from 1-3 pm. Please RSVP to [email protected].
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Society of BC