Obituary of Deb Halderman

August 3, 1960 – Toronto, Ontario

May 30, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Deborah Verona “Deb” Halderman, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Thursday, May 30, 2024, with her lover Ricky holding her hand. She opened her eyes, smiled at him, and took her last breath.

The extraordinary staff from Rosedale Hospice kept her comfortable, while her beloved children, Jacob and Paige, were there shortly after, and the rest of us who loved her were there in spirit, with some very special people waiting for her on the other side.

Deb was a person of contrasts: respectful and irreverent; hilarious and serious; kind and tough; stubborn and receptive. The people she loved, she loved deeply. Those people include her son Jacob and his partner Alexandra; her daughter Paige and her partner Kacey; her grand-dog Jackson, and her life partner and love, Ricky. She loved her sisters and brothers-in-law, her nieces and nephews, and a few cherished friends, including two friends named Lorelei.

One of Deb’s greatest loves and passions was music. She taught music for almost four decades, first from home and then with the Calgary Board of Education, ending her career at Crescent Heights High School for her last ten years. She would arrive at school before the sun came up most mornings to prepare for band practice. Deb taught several concert and jazz bands throughout her career, most of which toured across North America and received many awards of excellence. She was incredibly proud of her students, and many kept in touch long after graduation. She was “that” teacher.

She and Ricky spent many happy hours in their home away from home, their camper. They made a community of friends who shared their love for campfires and the outdoors. They loved to travel, including trips across Alberta to watch Jacob and Paige play hockey, another thing Deb was so proud of. The last seven months of Deb's life were spent in the marvellous care of the people at Rosedale Hospice, who understood and respected her unique sense of humour, and made her last days manageable. They welcomed the parade of family and friends who ensured she did not spend any of her last days alone. A brain tumor took her from us far too soon. Deb is, and always will be, deeply loved and achingly missed.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Deb’s family here.

In living memory of Deb Halderman, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-276-2296.