
Obituary of Deborah Hastings
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Deborah (Debbie) Hastings (née Kutchaw) on January 29, 2025, in Red Deer, Alberta. She was 76 years old.
Debbie was born on June 5, 1948, in Mindemoya, Ontario. She was raised by her mother and grandmother after losing her father at the age of two. Growing up with three siblings, she learned resilience, kindness, and an enduring love for family.
She married Tom Spry and welcomed her daughter Wendy in 1966. Later, she met the love of her life, Dennis Hastings, and together they built a life full of adventure. They married and had their daughter Heidi in 1976. Debbie and Dennis shared a passion for travel, laughter, and friendship. They worked in real estate in Toronto during the 1980s, where they surrounded themselves with the most wonderful friends. In the mid-1990s, they set off on a new adventure, moving west to Kelowna, BC, where they found even more chosen family, including their closest friends, Rick and Brad.
Everything changed in 2000 with the arrival of their first grandchild, Joshua, followed by Maxwell and Samuel in 2003 and Jacob in 2007. Their grandchildren became the light of their lives, bringing them endless joy and purpose. Debbie and Dennis rarely missed a football or rugby game, collecting newspaper clippings and game programs like prized treasures.
Debbie had a rare gift for making people feel seen, valued, and loved. Whether it was a phone call, a thoughtful Facebook message, or a small gesture, she always found ways to lift others up and celebrate their wins. She had an unmatched ability to connect, to care, and to make people laugh with her wit and warmth.
Nine years ago, Debbie received the gift of life through a double lung transplant—a second chance that she cherished. She became a passionate advocate for organ donation, spreading awareness about its life-saving impact.
Debbie is survived by her daughters Wendy Staniford (Mike) and Heidi Hastings (Casey Patterson); her cherished grandsons Josh, Max, Sam, and Jake Patterson; her sister Kelly Dominges (Alfonso); and her beloved nieces and nephews Julie Omnet, Robin Omnet (Jeff), Melissa Tanos (Liam), Jeremy Omnet (Anndrea), and David Kutchaw (Sabrina). She was predeceased by her husband Dennis Hastings; mother Effie Godfrey; siblings Jean Omnet, John Kutchaw, and Carol Kutchaw,; grandmother Beatrice Becks; and by her father John Kutchaw.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Davenport Place Community Centre (Clubhouse), 2300 Danielle Drive, Red Deer, AB, T4R 2Z8. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider signing your organ donation form - a legacy that truly saves lives. Condolences to Debbie’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net. Please indicate “Hastings” in the subject line.
Debbie was a force of love, laughter, and kindness. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
And when life feels overwhelming, when the weight of the world is heavy - just breathe.
Arrangements in care of
Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service
A locally owned cremation and funeral provider
serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta
587-876-4944
Service Area
Red Deer and all of Central Alberta including, but not limited to:
Blackfalds, Bentley, Bowden, Delburne, Eckville, Elnora, Innisfail, Lacombe, Olds, Penhold, Ponoka, Rimbey, Spruceview, Sylvan Lake, Sundre.
Contact
Bay 12, 4621 - 63 Street
Red Deer, AB T4N 7A6
Office hours by appointment only
24 Hours
(587) 876-4944
Fax: (403) 290-8243
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