Deborah Susan (Poeter) Elliott
RN, BScN, MEd, Wife, Mother, Sister, Nurse, Best Aunt, FRIEND, Honorary Queen, Positive Wizard
Debbie Elliott, lovingly known to many as Queenie, passed away April 30, 2026, in Edmonton, Alberta, after a brief hospitalization. She was born on April 8, 1952, in Mayerthorpe, Alberta, and lived life with intelligence, warmth, and a quick and generous sense of humor. She will be remembered with deep affection by all who knew her.
Debbie was the daughter of Vern and Katie Poeter, and she grew up with a family that remained important to her throughout her life. She is lovingly remembered by her husband Rob Elliott, son Mark Elliott, and his wife, Sonya Englert, and by all the extended Poeter and Elliott families including her brothers and their wives Gord & Lynn Poeter, Grant Poeter & Jackie Jonson, Kevin & Glena Poeter and by the Elliott family, Anne & Mike Giles, John Elliott & Anne Macdonald, Howard Elliott & Janet McGeer, Eric & Cindy Elliott. She leaves behind 18 nieces and nephews and their 6 children, each of whom will forever remember her kindness, laughter, and often crazy antics.
Education was important to Debbie, she completed Nursing at the University of Alberta School of Nursing, Class of Sept 1974, and later earned both a BScN and an MEd at the University of Alberta. Her commitment to learning helped her become the thoughtful and capable person she was; it shaped a career that touched many lives. Debbie brought not only knowledge and skill to her work, but also compassion, leadership, and a deep respect for those in her care and those who worked beside her.
Her professional life was distinguished by service in many roles, including nurse, educator, manager, and hospital administrator. In each position, she was known for her intelligence, calm fair judgment, and ability to connect with people. She was respected by colleagues and appreciated by those she served. Debbie also shared her gift for laughter through humor workshops, where her wit and warmth brought joy to others. Understanding that humor could heal, encourage, and bring people together, she used that gift generously.
Outside of her professional life, Debbie found happiness in family visits, time with friends, neighbours, keeping connected, organizing reunions, book clubs, and following her beloved Oilers. Debbie loved to travel. She was always happiest when, as an adventure approached, she had another in her back pocket.These were the moments that nourished her spirit and reflected what mattered most to her. She valued connection and conversation, and she had a natural ability to make others feel welcome and understood. Her many friends and loved ones will remember her as loving, intelligent, and funny.
Debbie’s life was one of care, accomplishment, and enduring relationships. She met the world with grace and a strong sense of purpose, and she leaves behind a legacy of kindness and strength. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, colleagues, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.
As an accomplished public speaker she was always looking for great quotes to include.
“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” Dr. Seuss.
Those who loved Debbie will do both, holding her memory close with gratitude for the many ways she enriched their lives.
Please no flowers or gifts, consider a donation in Debbie’s name to the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
https://albertacancer.ca/donate/
The family thanks The Cross Cancer Institute for their many years of caring compassionately for Debbie. We also thank Misericordia Community Hospital ER and unit 1East.
An open house will be held at an upcoming date.
Please email: dseopenhouse2026@gmail.com for time and location information.