Obituary of Deborah E. Canham

Deborah E. Canham (nee Wright) dimmed the lights in her classroom for the last time on 29 April, 2016. Her gift to the world was the ability to reach children, to soothe their worries and to impart the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed. She was exceedingly patient, compassionate and intelligent. Born in Charlottetown, PEI in 1960, she grew up interested in business but ultimately developed the skills of a nurturer, caring for her three younger sisters. Her summers were spent on the red shores of Northumberland Straight while winters were spent cross-country skiing which became a lifelong passion. Debbie was an intellectual and viewed the world with positivity and unending hope. She was awarded a full scholarship to university after high school but abandoned it to marry and adventure with her Royal Canadian Air Force husband. She raised two caring children and then completed her Bachelor and Master of Education degrees specializing in deaf education. She loved to see disadvantaged children blossom as they learned to hear and to speak in her care. Debbie has traveled to over 60 countries and lived abroad for six years. She spoke French and German besides her native English. She was a courageous sailor here and in Europe. She loved to camp, swim and water ski. Her family position as “best boat driver” will be sadly missed. She died unfairly from ovarian cancer at 55 years of age, bathed in love from her husband, children, parents and sisters. Many thanks to the numerous relatives, teacher pals and good friends that sent her positive energy; helping to ease her final journey out of this world. Visitation will take place from 1-3 p.m., 14 May followed immediately by a service to celebrate her life at the Heritage Funeral Complex, 1250 Trim Rd, Orleans, ON. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made on Deborah’s behalf to Ovarian Cancer Canada at http://www.ovariancanada.org/. Condolences may be addressed at:http://www.heritagefh.ca/