STEFFEN: Debbie
June 24, 1954 - June 5, 2017
It is with deep sorrow that we, the family of Deborah Ann Steffen, announce her unexpected passing at her home in Spruce Grove, AB on Monday, June 5, 2017. She was 62 years of age. Debbie, one of four children of George and Martha (nee Pilla) Fleischhacker, was born June 24, 1954 in Humboldt, SK. She grew up on the family farm near Fulda, SK until she married her high school sweetheart, Tom Steffen, on July 29, 1972 in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church near Fulda. Tom and Debbie began their life together in Edmonton, AB then moved back to Saskatchewan where they raised a family of three children, one boy and two girls. Debbie loved children and was a devoted mother and grandmother. She chose to be a stay at home mom, but she also ran a day home and later worked in a day care. Over the last few years, she greatly enjoyed being a nanny for her grandchildren, Ben and Jake. In 2005, Tom and Debbie moved to Spruce Grove to be closer to their family. Some of Debbie’s favourite things to do were to go out for dinner or to the theater with Tom, spend girls nights with her daughters, nurture her close bond with her son, watch her grandchildren in their various activities, and curl up with a good book. Debbie was very strong in her faith and shared her spirituality with loved ones by living life following God’s example. She had unconditional love for others, offered encouraging words and advice, and always found new books about God, love, and faith that she enjoyed passing on to her family. Even though we miss her deeply, it is comforting to know that Debbie is now at peace with God in heaven. She has been reunited with family and friends she has not seen in a long time and she is in a wonderful place where she can laugh, sing, dance, and read to her heart’s content. We want to thank her for the beautiful life we experienced with her and for being the heart of our family. We will always remember her smile, warmth, energy, kindness, and compassion. And so it is… Debbie will be lovingly remembered by her husband of nearly 45 years, Tom Steffen of Spruce Grove, AB; their 3 children and 5 grandchildren: Tina (Lavern) Kovlaske of Spruce Grove and children Ethan (special friend Areina Anderson) and Emily; Lee (Nataliya) Steffen of Fort Lauderdale, FL and her daughter Roksolana; and Lisa (Rob) Sand of Stony Plain, AB and children Ben and Jake. Also surviving are her three brothers: Glen Fleischhacker; Brian (Colleen) Fleischhacker; and Leon (Karen) Fleischhacker, all of Humboldt, SK; her nieces, Chelsea and Nikia; and her nephews, Reid and Ryan. She was predeceased by her parents, George and Martha (nee Pilla) Fleischhacker. As per Debbie’s wishes, a private memorial was held in her home for her immediate family on Friday, June 9. We would like to give sincerest thanks to Serenity Funeral Service for making arrangements, Deacon Hyland Fraser of Holy Trinity Catholic Church for leading the memorial, and our family and friends for their love, prayers, and support during this difficult time.
