With broken hearts, we announce the passing of Deborah Esther Boutilier (Bailey) at the young age of 70 after a brief but courageous battle with cancer at the Victoria General hospital.
Debbie will forever be remembered by those who loved her for both her spunk and strength, but above all she will be remembered for her tremendous love for her family. She was considered the rock for her family and could always be counted on in times of need. Family meant the world to her and that was evident in the abundance of love and pride she had for her boys and grandchildren. She would tell you that becoming a Nannie was the best days of her life and nothing made her happier than spoiling all of them. Debbie was an avid crafter and loved to sew and spent hours lovingly creating special pieces that she took great joy in gifting to her family and friends. She enjoyed going for long drives with her beloved husband Alan and spending quality time with her many friends.
During her working life, Debbie had several jobs which included working for the IWK as a Lab Technician, Adesa Auction, and for Forbes Leasing.
She was the proud mother of Shawn (Donna), and Nick (Stephanie) and Nannie to Emma, Karli, and Aiden. She was survived by her mother Christina Bailey; brothers Bruce (Donna) Bailey and Andrew Bailey; and lifelong friend Paula Gaetz.
Debbie was preceded in death by her husband Alan Boutilier to whom she was happily married to for forty seven years, and her father Lionel Bailey.
Debbie’s spirit will go on in her children and grandchildren and will be never forgotten by those who knew and loved her. A private graveside burial will take place at a later date.
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Condolences
01/13/2023
Iris Gallagher
To the whole family-I am so sorry to hear about Debbie's passing-I was so shocked. I still haven't stopped looking next door to see her (& Alan) and remember our many talks over snowbanks & on the phone. I could always count on her to be there for me when I needed advice or help. Many summer nights were spent talking through the window and I always got a wave through my dining room window if she was on her porch. I miss our almost daily interactions so much, Iris Gallagher
01/07/2023
Tim Clark
Tina, Bruce, Andrew and Family We are deeply saddened to hear of Debbie's passing. She was a wonderful, caring person, and will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her. We are sending our heartfelt condolences to all the family, and we will remember you in our thoughts and prayers. Love cousin Tim, Wendy and family.
01/05/2023
Judy Bowser
My thoughts are with all of you in the wonderful family you have. Remember her always. She was so special.Sincere condolences.
01/05/2023
Kristine Willoughby
I was stunned to learn of your mother's passing. We had recently reconnected and her love of family was stronger than ever! She was like a big sister to me many years ago and I will never forget her kindness. Sending love to the Boutilier and Bailey families. Kristine Willoughby
01/04/2023
Lisa Pretty
Saddened to read this news. I have fond memories as a young child. Having the pleasure of being her flower girl. I happened to see her a few years back when she sought me out in the department at the hospital as she was there with her mom. Mrs Bailey babysat me during me infant, toddler and preschool years. Condolences to you all Lisa Pretty
01/04/2023
Marianne Clark
Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. We were greatly saddened to hear of Debbie and Alan's passing. Please know you are in our thoughts. Tony and Marianne Clark
01/04/2023
Brenda Walmsley
01/04/2023
Bob and Janet
We are so deeply saddened by this loss. Debbie and I would have 2 hour chats on the phone. She would always crack me up with her sense of humour and honesty. Spunk is definitely Debbie. I can't imagine what you are going through Shawn, Nick and families. I know how much you were the centre of her world. She will be missed. You are in our thoughts. Bob and Janet Slaunwhite.
01/04/2023
Elaine Perry
Our Deepest Sympathy Nick, Stephanie & Aiden , So Sorry to hear of Your Mom's Passing. Our Thoughts are with you at this Difficult time . Hugs & Prayers, Dennis, Elaine Perry & Family
01/04/2023
Linda stoddard
Sending my heartfelt condolences to Shawn, Nick and their family. I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear that both your mom and dad had passed. I have many fond memories of the time we spent together. I hope that it helps to know that so many people care and share in your loss . Sending many prayers and hugs to all of you.
01/04/2023
Judy Lutley
I am so sorry for your losses. Condolences to Debbie and Allan's children and their families. Losing two parents within such a short time is absolutely heartbreaking. May the wonderful memories you have of both of them get you through this very difficult time. My deepest condolences.
01/04/2023
liddy harrie
So sorry for the loss of your mom and dad they were great people. l Liddy and Buster Harrie
01/04/2023
Christine Ward
Debbie was such a warm, friendly person. We met her when we came to Canada to get to know my sister Tina and many other relatives on my father's side and Debbie organised a wonderful 'welcome' party for Glyn and I to get to know many lovely and now much- treasured family members. I will miss Debbie very much and send my love and condolences to all the rest of her family. 'What will survive of us is love'. xx Christine (Ward)
01/03/2023
Zoe Boutilier
Aunt Debbie will be missed so very much. She was always so strong and joyful and capable and generous. I can't believe that she is gone, and so very quickly. I wish I had sent one more text, reached out just one more time. I hope she knew how much I enjoyed, respected, and admired her indomitable spirit. Rest in peace, Aunt Debbie. Gone but not forgotten. Xxoo.
01/03/2023
Marilyn Boutilier
Aunt Debbie's love was fierce for all her family including those of us who live in other provinces or the other end of Nova Scotia. I loved asking her for crafty ideas for my own projects. Thanks Aunt Debbie, for your love.
01/03/2023
Marilyn Boutilier
I was shocked to hear of Debbie's passing. She was such a strong person that I expected her to be with family at home for Christmas. She was a Mama Bear to her family for whom she would do anything needed. She was there for Alan and she and I connected as phone buddies whenever we needed a shoulder to cry or laugh on until my phone battery gave out. I miss her so much.
01/03/2023
hannah myer
Debbie was such a wonderful person and neighbour. She was so kind and lovely. She didn't take anything too seriously and was always cracking jokes and making us laugh. She loved interacting with our kids and would often invite them over to play in her yard. She sewed them gifts including aprons which we will cherish forever. We miss her already and can't imagine having a better neighbour. We hope she rests in peace.
01/03/2023
Sandy Innocent
So sorry to hear of Debbie,s passing in my prayers
01/03/2023
Donna Johnson
Debbie and I reconnected over the years and every time I was down east we managed to get in a visit. Debbie was a wonderful daughter, mother, sister and grandmother. My sincere condolences to her family. Cousin Donna Johnson (nee Poole)
01/03/2023
Betty and Peter Mcdonald
Our condolences to all Debbie's family. So very sorry for the loss of a mother, grandmother, daughter and sister. She was a wonderful person and loved cousin, Debbie will never be forgotten.
01/03/2023
John and Debbie Poole
Our condolences to Nick, Shawn and the families. Debbie was a special person. She will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her...
01/02/2023
Judy McMillan (Brackett)
I am so sorry to hear of the sad news of my friend Debbie. Debbie and I go back a lot of years, to junior high and we had just recently been connected again. I will be forever grateful that we came together if just for a short time. To her family, your mom, nanny and daughter was a very special person, she had a crazy sense of humour and could always make people laugh, I will miss you my friend. RIP
01/02/2023
John mitchell
I was so saddened to hear of the loss. Your memories will live on forever. Debbie was truest a wonderful woman. Will truly be missed on my Nova Scotia trips. Tommy Mitchell
01/02/2023
Gerard simard
Debbie had the biggest heart that a human being could have. Rest In Peace my dear Debbie
01/02/2023
Brenda Swinkels
To Debbie's Family, her sons and daughter-in -laws, and grandchildren, Aunt Tina, Bruce and Andrew and Families, I am truly sorry for your loss and you all are in my thoughts and prayers during this sad and difficult time. Debbie and I had reconnected a few years back and I so enjoyed catching up with her, and talking about old times. May she rest in peace Brenda (Randall) Swinkels
01/02/2023
Heather Gilbert
I am so sorry for your loss. I met Debbie when we were in collage together at NSCC. She was a fantastic classmate. She made going back to school fun.
01/02/2023
Pat & Ron Martin
Our deepest sympathy Nick, Stephanie & Aiden. Our thoughts, prayers & hugs are with you all.
01/02/2023
Patrice Adams
I am shocked and saddened to hear this news. Shawn and Nick please know my heart is with you. *hugs*
01/02/2023
Janice Penney
Our deepest sympathy may all your happy memories help keep her alive in your heart
01/02/2023
Jackie Barrett
Nick, Shawn and family. Your mother was a wonderful friend and truly special lady. I will miss her early. I loved our spontaneous phone calls and the times we did get to share when life permitted it. I am truly saddened by this news.
01/02/2023
Danny & Cathy Poole
Our condolences to all the family..gone too soon, but not forgotten...Cousin Danny Poole Sr. and Cathy
01/02/2023
Jackie Turcotte
I am so sorry to hear of Debbie's passing. May your memories of her be a blessing for you. Sincere condolences.
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