Debra Anne Keyes
January 22, 1958 - January 24, 2023
Debra Anne (nee Kavalench) Keyes of Saskatoon, SK, (and formerly of Watson, SK), passed away peacefully at her home with her family by her side on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at the age of 65.
Deb was born on January 22, 1958, to Albert “Johnny” and Eleanor (nee Hinderks) Kavalench at Biggar, SK, and grew up in Watson. After high school, she worked at the Co-op Grocery Store and then at CIBC where she excelled after taking many classes. Deb went on to managerial positions in Saskatoon, and then to Barbados in 2000-2001 as a project manager. In 2005, she became the operations manager for the First Nations Bank of Canada, where she remained employed for the rest of her career.
Deb was known for her love of travel, sharing many trips with family and friends to numerous destinations that would include traveling to PEI, and also to sunny destinations including several vacations to her favourite island, Antigua. Another favourite of hers were family trips to Kipabiskau, starting when the kids were little, which eventually turned into a seasonal waterfront lot and pontoon boating with them and all of the grandchildren, her pride and joy. Deb really enjoyed this past summer with Karey taking several back road cruises, going to the lake and she even got to go on a quad ride with some great friends.
Of course, there were also many other lake and golf vacations with the “Wild Women” which even landed their excursions being published in a book! Deb, aka “bling bling queen” loved to plan many surprise birthday “kidnapping” parties and Christmas parties, and there was always a theme. She also enjoyed late night sing-alongs, even if it included the “damn Dales.” She carried a strong front and a great sense of humour throughout her journey, including a garden party this past summer, and then a 65th birthday party zoom call with her girlfriends just days before her passing….making sure she had on her beach hat and sunglasses and a tropical beach background for the call.
She will be remembered for doing many random acts of kindness on an individual basis, to let each person know how special and important they were to her. Even when she was in the hospital, she made sure she got to know each nurse and her roommates and formed relationships with them.
Deb will be greatly missed by all who knew her and will remain forever in our hearts. She is survived by her son, Corey Keyes (Shanna); daughter, Karey Fetter (Mark); her four grandchildren: Dessa and Dustin Fetter, and Quinn and Isaac Keyes; her brothers: Dave (Phyllis), Robert (Cathy), and Donald “Spike” (Linda); her sister, Bonnie (Kelvin) Schwartz; and numerous nieces and nephews whom she nurtured special, individual relationships with, and, of course, her many friends. She was predeceased by her parents Albert “Johnny” and Eleanor (nee Hinderks); and by the father of her children and special friend, Gary Keyes.
There will be a Celebration of Deb’s Life on Saturday, April 22nd, 2023. Memorial donations may be directed to either the Cancer Society (#2-630 45th Street West, Saskatoon, SK, S7L 5W9) or the Lung Association (2308 Arlington Avenue, Saskatoon, SK, S7L 3L3).
This Notice Is Courtesy Of
Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel - Humboldt, Saskatchewan
(306-682-4114)