Obituary of Deborah Howe
A resident of Chatham, Deborah (Debby) Howe passed peacefully with family by her side on Sunday, May 11, 2025 at the Chatham-Kent Hospice at the age of 70.
Born on August 12, 1954, Debby was the daughter of the late Bert & Bertha (nee Bond) Weaver.
One of her greatest sources of pride and happiness were her family. She was the proud mother of Nicole Howe-Glover (Joe) & Matt Howe (Emily). She was also a cherished grandma of Nathan and Taylor Glover, and Kaitlyn, Megan, Lily, and Jack Howe.
Debby was the youngest child of a large family raised on a farm in Ridgetown. She is survived by her sister Wendy Weaver and brother Joe Weaver and was predeceased by her siblings, Bob, Betty, Grant, Gary and Wayne. Deb is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Debby will be missed by many dear friends who have been a part of her life for decades or who more recently joined her in her life's journey. Her friends shared in her love of travel, gardening, nature, playing scrabble, and gathering in companionship with good food.
When Debby reflected on her early years on the family farm, she would reminisce about her mother's cooking and riding her pony, Prince. She graduated from Ridgetown District Highschool in 1972, and completed a Secretarial Diploma from Ursuline Business College in Chatham in 1973. Debby worked as a Parks Secretary for the Ministry of Natural Resources until 1976. It was in Chatham where she met and married the late Brian Howe. In this stage of her life, Deb focused on raising her children, giving them an idyllic childhood, and supporting Brian who farmed both the Howe and Weaver homesteads. After her children were grown, and she and Brian were separated, Deb entered the workforce full-time, working at Sears, Kelly Services, and later with the federal Government. Deb had a long career and made some good friends working in various clerical roles with Service Canada at the Judy LaMarsh Building. She retired from the public service in September 2016.
Deb enjoyed spending time with family and friends, reading, playing the guitar, and gardening. She took great pride in her yard and over the years she created a beautiful oasis to share with others. Debby was active in the community, attending St. Andrew's United Church, participating in classes at the Active Lifestyle Centre and she had taken on various volunteer roles with the VON, PAWS and most recently the library. Throughout her life she demonstrated great strength as she managed depression, and she fought a courageous battle with cancer at the end.
Family and friends will be received at the Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham on Friday June 6, 2025 from 6:00 - 8:00pm. A Memorial Service will be held at the funeral home on June 7, 2025 with visiting from 9:00am until the Service time at 10:00am. Interment in Arnold Cemetery, Louisville following the service with a reception following the burial within the McKinlay Reception Centre.
In memory of Debby, donations to the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation, the Canadian Cancer Society, or the Canadian Mental Health Association - Lambton-Kent would be appreciated by the family.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com.
McKinlay Funeral Home
459 St. Clair Street, Chatham
519 351 2040