DUKES, Deborah Lynn (Debbie)
October 12, 2009
Classified Type: Obituaries & Death Notices
Location: Hamilton
DUKES, Deborah Lynn (Debbie) November 20, 1953-October 12, 2009 It is with overwhelming sadness that our family announces the sudden loss of our dear sister, Debbie, at her home, on Monday, October 12, 2009, at the age of 55. Debbie was predeceased by our father Robert E. (Ted) in 1978 and our mother Freda Mae in February, 2009 and is survived by her true love and companion of 19 years, Gabriel (Gabe) Ranalletta, whose love, care and devotion over the years has helped to bring her this far in life. Debbie leaves behind her children, Walter Rogerson and Kevin Rogerson and her grandchildren, Misty Lee, Maggie, Sharon Lee and Zachery, devoted sisters Sharon Cooper (Lowell) of Lynden, Susan Miller (Don) of Mount Hope and her loving brother Bob Dukes (Bev) of Torrance, Ontario. Debbie is also loved by 13 nieces and nephews, 17 great-nieces and nephews and one great-great-niece. Debbie suffered from epilepsy from the age of 7 as a result of brain trauma during her birth. Sadly, this life-altering affliction ultimately ended her life. As an epileptic, Debbie was often misunderstood and dismissed by others but she did not let it get her down because she knew that people did not understand her situation. Debbie loved life, family and especially children. She was thrilled to have grand- children and was a sweet and caring aunt. She also loved animals and had just taken in a calico kitten that had lost its mother prematurely. She carried the kitten everywhere with her, determined that it survive. Debbie would be happy to know that the kitten has been given to two of her young nephews who are thrilled to love it in her honour. She never missed calling us on our birthdays, never had a bad word to say about anyone and never complained about her affliction. Debbie was an endearing and unique person always cheerful and was a great source of inspiration to those who took the time to get to know her. She was the bravest, kindest person we ever knew. Debbie had a very special bond with our mother who looked out for Debbie throughout her entire life, until her own recent death. Debbie missed Mom terribly but remained strong as she had promised Mom that she would and was coping well. She was taken too soon but we know that she is now being greeted by our mother and joining her in God's loving arms, safe from all pain and suffering and is finally free of her life-long affliction. May she exist in His presence in eternal peace. Debbie will be cremated and interred beside our mother and father in Mount Zion Cemetery, Copetown during a private family service. The family would like to draw the public’s attention to the fact that epilepsy is not a disease or a psychological ailment, but is a physical, neurological disorder caused by trauma to the brain. Epilepsy causes sudden bursts of hyperactivity in the brain resulting in seizures. More research on epilepsy is required to help those carrying this devastating burden and the family is requesting that any expressions of sympathy be made to Epilepsy Ontario, Suite 308, 1 Promenade Circle, Thornhill, Ontario, L4J 4P8 in Debbie’s memory. For further information about epilepsy please go to www.epilepsyontario.ca. The family wishes to express their thanks to the City of Hamilton Emergency Services, the Hamilton Fire and Police Departments, and especially Detective/Constable Craig Leishman, the Hamilton General Hospital emergency doctors and staff and those who attempted so relentlessly to revive our loved one. We also wish to thank Cattel, Eaton & Chambers Funeral Home, Dundas for their kind and caring support during our devastating loss. If you know her favourite hymn “Jesus Loves Me”, please take the time to sing it for her. We love you, Deb. God Bless your beautiful soul. You had a tough life and lived it selflessly. We can still hear you say, “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be okay. I can take it. I’m strong.” You really set the standard for facing adversities in life and none of us will ever measure up to your courage. You will be greatly missed. There really was no one like you.