Obituary of Debra Lynn Rodgers

Suddenly and unexpectedly passed away from a catastrophic brain bleed on Wednesday, November 19, at the age of 71.

Cherished wife of 36 years to Bill Rodgers. Loving and devoted mom to Jennifer (Lindsay), and step-mom to Beth (Jeremy), Laura (Ben), and Jordan. Fiercely proud Nan to Astrid, and Grams to Gavin, Mya, Steven, Dariem, Connor, Gwendolyn, and Raelyn. Eldest sister of Dave (Sandy), Julie, and Tim, and aunt of Amanda, Stephanie, and Glenna. Best friend of Marge for 67 years.

Born and raised in St. Thomas, Ontario, Debbie had a difficult childhood but endured those hardships and the others that followed with a deep-seated strength and dignity. In her 20s, working full-time and raising a daughter, she also studied part-time at Brock University to earn her accounting degree. With her eminently logical mind and aptitude for numbers, she thrived in her financial services career. In 1989, she met Bill, and after a whirlwind romance, they were married. With her marriage to Bill, Debbie embraced the Jehovah’s Witness faith. She took great nourishment and joy from her Bible studies, pioneer work, and the fellowship of congregations she belonged to over the years, from St. Catharines and Hamilton to Truro and Ecuador.

Debbie loved flowers and gardening, collecting and curating beautiful things, music, theatre, cross-stitch, and puzzling. She had an astonishing intellect that she relished challenging, whether through cryptic crosswords and logic puzzles, a rousing game of Trivial Pursuit, or engaging conversations and debates with family and friends. But books were always and forever her greatest passion. Never long without a book in her hand, Debbie was well known for her large and varied personal library, and the pride with which she organized and displayed her literary treasures. A long-time lover of libraries, in more recent years Debbie volunteered at the library in Tatamagouche.

Debbie never missed a chance to tell you she loved you, pull you in for a tight squeeze, or make a thoughtful gesture that showed her care. Her absence leaves us all bereft. 

A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, December 6 in the Truro Kingdom Hall, 183 Waller Drive, Truro.  

Donations may be made to the Jehovah's Witnessess

(Lovingly submited by family)

For funeral service livestream, please click HERE  (link will be viable for December 6)