September 16, 1960 – July 6, 2026
It is with great sorrow that we announce the unexpected passing of Deborah Catherine Friesen (Debi) on July 6, 2026.
She leaves behind her partner Dave Dyer, her fur baby Pumpkin, her mother Louise Kowal, stepfather John Kowal and her sisters Patricia Friedel (Leon) and Margo Beres, plus a sister-in-law Donna Dyer (Franck). She also leaves her cherished nephews and niece – Mitchell Beres (Alexandra), Calvin Beres (Aly), Danielle Friedel, Jared Friedel and a grand nephew Hendrick Beres.
She was predeceased by her father Al Friesen in January 2025
Debi worked for over 45 years with Alberta Health Care and leaves numerous friends and coworkers that meant so much to her. She will be dearly missed.
At Debi’s request there will be no funeral but a celebration of her life will be planned at a later date.
Debi’s biggest passion was animals. It would be her wish that in lieu of flowers, donations to the Humane Society or an animal shelter of your choice be made in her memory.
Some people leave this world a little brighter simply because they were in it, and that was certainly true of you. Your kindness knew no limits—from your deep love of animals to the compassion you showed everyone around you. You were one of life’s greatest cheerleaders, always believing in others and encouraging them to see the best in themselves. I’ll always be grateful for the unwavering faith you had in me and the confidence and support you gave me when I needed it most.
Your love and dedication to CapitalCare and its residents was evident in everything you did. Caring for others wasn’t just your job—it was who you were. You will be deeply missed by Dave, your family, your CapitalCare family, and by those of us fortunate enough to call you a friend. Thank you for making such a lasting difference in so many lives. Rest peacefully— I miss you deeply.
All my love – Crystal
Debbie, for more than two decades, we shared the workplace, and I had the privilege of getting to know you. You were always smiling, warm, and welcoming, and you had a way of making people feel happy just by seeing you. Even after I started working nights and we saw each other less often, every time I saw you, your smile and kindness felt like a ray of sunshine.
I will always remember your kindness, your welcoming spirit, and that beautiful smile. You will be deeply missed, Debbie. Rest easy my friend.
Debi was one of the biggest reasons I applied to work at Norwood. I first met her while I was studying my course, and I remember saying to myself, “One day, I want to work with her.” She had the most vibrant, genuine, and infectious energy—a kind of light that made everyone around her feel seen, valued, and inspired.
When I joined the centre, she believed in me even before I fully believed in myself. She opened doors for me by referring me to different managers, constantly looking for opportunities, and doing everything she could to help me secure a permanent position at Norwood. Her love and faith in me changed the course of my career, and I will always be grateful for that.
Debi wasn’t just our go-to person—she was the heart of our workplace. No matter how busy she was, she always found time to help, encourage, and support everyone around her. She gave so much of herself without expecting anything in return, and she made every person she met feel important.
Thank you, Debi, for believing in me, for lifting me up, and for being the incredible person that you were. Your kindness, generosity, and beautiful spirit left a mark on my life that I will carry with me forever. Norwood was a better place because of you, and so were all of us who had the privilege of knowing and working with you. My heart aches so much but I know you are in better place now. Heaven has gained the brightest soul. I can only imagine you filling it with laughter, love, and your beautiful energy, making the angels laugh every single day, just as you did for all of us. I will miss you so much. Your little one – Rubylyn
With deepest sympathies to all of Debi’s family.
I only knew Debi as the happy face at the reception desk at Gene Zwodesky Centre.
She was such a ray of sunshine and always up for a laugh. I always looked forward to seeing her there.
Rest in Peace
Carrie
I remember when I first started with Capital Care. She led my site orientation. Her bright, cheerful, and funny personality made me feel comfortable, and she played a huge part in me loving my job from the very beginning.
She shared a special connection with my mom as well. They used to work together for capital care, and from the stories I’ve heard, they sure knew how to have a good time!
One of the many things I will miss about Debi are her famous remarks like “are you behaving?” And “party girl” . And many more where those came from.
She leaves behind so many wonderful memories. She would be proud to hear that I am now a Burton Cummings fan! Haha.
Sending my love, hugs, and heartfelt condolences to her family. I am so grateful I got to know Debi like I did, and for the impact she left on my life.
I’m not sure I can fully express the sadness I feel with the passing of Debi. She was truly the essence of kindness — to everyone she met — and she touched so many lives through her work and her friendships.
I first met Debi in 1993 at the Mewburn Veterans Centre when I applied for a job while finishing university. I walked in the front door to pick up an application, and there she was — a young Debi, warm, friendly, and supportive. She never changed in all the years we knew each other. From that first moment, our journey together began — first as coworkers, and very quickly as friends — a journey that continued for more than three decades until her passing.
We shared a special “Burton Cummings” bond. We loved his music, knew most of his songs by heart, and would sing them together at work. We also had our fun differences — she was a Calgary Flames and Stampeders fan, and I’m an Oilers and Elks fan — but that was about the extent of our disagreements.
I will be forever grateful for the last time I saw Debi. She, Dave, and I went to the “Bringing It Back” concert in Edmonton on June 10th this year, where Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman performed. I’m so thankful to have that memory. I will cherish it always.
As I think about Debi, one Burton Cummings song keeps coming to mind — “Stand Tall.” Its message of strength, love, and carrying someone’s spirit forward feels so fitting for her. Debi lived her life with that kind of quiet strength, and she helped so many of us stand a little taller just by knowing her.
Debi was a gift to everyone who knew her, and I will miss her deeply.
Long before Norwich Debbie worked at the Mewburn Veterans Centre
Always with a smile on her face, a friendly word would listen to me vent and chat. She was just the most wonderful human being ever.
So so sorry to learn of her passing and heartfelt hugs to her family
Dear Debi you will missed by so many forever. Such a wonderful person with kindness for all. My condolences to all family and friends.Rest in peace.
Debi. I knew you long before Norwood when we worked together at the Mewburn Veterans Centre, along with Yvonne, Betty Thompson and many more . What a fun girl you were, loved your clever wit. When
I ended up in Norwood with a broken arm 2023, what a happy surprise to meet u at the front desk! Same as always, full of kindness and charm. Miss you always dearest Debi. Yes, I will stay out of trouble. Till we meet again. July 13,2026
You will be deeply missed.
My condolences to Dave as well as Debi’s family, friends, and coworkers.
Debi hired me at Norwood over 20 years ago and was my first Manager at CapitalCare. She was a great mentor and like a “work mom” to me for those first few years. She was always positive, and was a funny, bright soul who inspired many of us in our work and home life. Debi will be dearly missed by all who knew her. I’m so glad I had lunch with her and got one last hug and catch up when she was at my site last fall. I will never forget who gave me my start and who I owe so much to all these years later…rest in peace Debi you will forever be missed!
Debi was the kindest and the nicest person I’ve ever had the chance to work with. She always had everyone’s back and was always there to help, no matter what. Everyone is really going to miss you.
Debi,
You are the most kind, thoughtful caring person I have ever known. You always went the extra mile for everyone, including me.
I am so sad to hear that you have passed away so suddenly, but you are forever in my thoughts.
Annali
My condolences to the friends and family of Debi. She radiated positive energy and will be deeply missed by everyone at Norwood.
Debi, my dear sweet friend….I will miss you greatly and mornings at work won’t be the same without your ‘good morning daaarling’ greeting.
Miss you so much, Debi. I was so lucky got to work with you and to know you when I worked at Norwood.
Oh how I can hear your cheerful voice! The energy and joy you shared will not be forgotten. Godspeed.
Debi was one of the very first people I met when I started at CapitalCare, and she immediately made an impression. She was the person everyone turned to because she seemed to know everything about Norwood. No matter the question, Debi always had the answer, and she was always willing to help.
What I remember most, though, was her positivity. Debi was always in a good mood – kind, happy, and genuinely thoughtful. One of the gestures I’ll never forget was the beautiful decorative stone she gave me after my dog Della died. It was such a simple but meaningful act of kindness, and it brought me comfort during a difficult time.
Debi was deeply committed to CapitalCare and to the people she worked with. When I left in 2022, I remember she was looking forward to transitioning to part-time work after giving so much of herself over the years.
Although we didn’t stay in touch after I left, I was deeply saddened to hear of her sudden passing. My heart goes out to her family, friends and to the staff at Norwood, especially those who had the privilege of working alongside her for so many years. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, dedication, and positivity that will not be forgotten.
Rest in peace, Debi. You made a difference in the lives of so many, and you will be greatly missed.
Knowing Debi for over 18 years was truly a pleasure and a privilege. She had a special way of making everyone feel important and loved. She was beautiful, kind, and so funny.
I’ll always hear her saying, “How are you, darling?” and “Are you behaving?” Those little moments will stay with me forever.
I will miss you so much, Debi, darling.
You will always be remebered as the fun girl I took to A & W .
What a ray of sunshine Deb brought to this world, such positive energy, full of laughter, great wit and a wonderful smile. Will miss you Deb.
Work will just not be the same without you you will b sorely missed by all
I will miss her beautiful smiling and kindness.
Debi,
You will be missed. You are the one person who knew everything about CapitalCare. My go to lady ?? I’ll miss your smile and our chats we had before work and after.
Forever in our hearts.
Deepest sympathy to Dave and all of Debi’s family and wishing you peace during this difficult time.
Myself & anyone who was lucky enough to have met & know Debi are all feeling a loss for words. I will always remember the kind, special person you were Debi. My heart & thoughts are with Debi’s Family may you find peace & comfort
Debi, where do I even begin?
You were the heart and face of Norwood and always bright, cheerful, and endlessly kind. From the moment I stepped into my new role, you welcomed me with open arms. You shared your incredible knowledge so generously, offered the warmest hugs, and made everyone around you feel seen and valued.
Your love for children, animals, and helping anyone in need was evident in everything you did. I will always cherish our conversations about politics, fairness, and your unwavering belief in equality for everyone. You had such a beautiful way of standing up for what mattered while leading with compassion.
The world feels a little dimmer without you in it. I hope you are surrounded by all the things you loved most, and that you know how deeply you were loved and how greatly you will be missed.
Rest peacefully, Debi.
Debi… our hearts will always feel your smile, kindness and love. Be well friend and safe travels. Till we meet again. Love you always.
Heaven gained a beautiful soul
Deepest condolences to Debi’s family.
I always remembered your smile and your aptitude to make people comfortable, I also remembered the orientation day and tour of the Norwood building, always ready to help as soon your crossed someone wondering at the entrance you go like “May I help you” or that ok everyone make mistakes and you smile.
You will be missed forever. May your soul rest in perfect peace.
You were the face of Norwood and will be so deeply missed not just by myself and the staff but every single patient and family member who had the pleasure of interacting with you! I cannot understate the positive impact you had on everyone at work with your thoughtfulness and kindness. Myself, Jason, and the girls give our deepest condolences to the family ?
I’ll remeber to stay out of trouble, friend!
Will miss you forever………………Debi!!!!!!!