Debbie McPherson
October 19, 1955 ~ August 18, 2026

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Debbie McPherson, beloved daughter, sister, friend, teacher, musician, and a cherished member of the Prince Albert community.

Debbie was born in Chatham, Ontario, on October 19, 1955, to Tom and Doris McPherson. The oldest of four children, she spent her first four years growing up on the family fruit farm with her sisters, Wendy and Pam. Her childhood changed tragically when her father, Tom, died in a farming accident while her mother, Doris, was pregnant with her youngest child, Tom. Following his death, Doris moved the family to Blenheim, Ontario, where they lived next door to Debbie’s maternal grandparents, Grandma and Grandpa Lane. Debbie carried many fond memories of her early years on the farm and of the family and community that surrounded her growing up.

Music was one of the great loves of Debbie’s life. After earning her degree in education, Debbie moved to Prince Albert in the early 1980s to begin her career as a music and band teacher. It did not take long for her to become an important part of the city’s music community. She played in the Prince Albert City Band, sang in the City Choir, and served for many years as the director of the Prince Albert Boys Choir. At Calvary United Church, which held a very special place in Debbie’s heart, she directed both the junior and senior choirs.

Her commitment to music education extended well beyond the classroom. Debbie served as president of both the Saskatchewan Music Teachers Association and the Canadian Music Teachers Association. Later in her career, she became president of the Prince Albert and Area Teachers Association, continuing her tradition of advocating for teachers and for the importance of music education.

Calvary United Church was woven deeply into Debbie’s life. After retiring from teaching, she continued to contribute to the church community, working as its administrative assistant for five years and remaining actively involved on the Calvary board. It was a place where she found community, purpose, friendship, and countless opportunities to share her love of music.

Debbie had a strong personality and was never one to mince words. She had opinions—and was never particularly shy about sharing them! She could be wonderfully unfiltered and always authentically herself. But alongside that strong exterior was a wicked sense of humour and a love of laughter. Those who knew Debbie well will remember her quick wit, her stories, her laughter, and the many moments when she could make those around her laugh right along with her.

Soon after arriving in Prince Albert, Debbie became an honorary addition to the Hodgins family. What began as friendship grew into a bond that lasted for decades. She shared countless holidays, celebrations, meals, and everyday moments with the family and became a much-loved part of their lives.

Debbie was predeceased by her parents, Tom and Doris McPherson. She leaves behind her sisters, Wendy and Lawrie Lewis, and Pam and Kevin Broadwood; and her brother, Tom and Kim McPherson; as well as extended family, friends, former students, colleagues, fellow musicians, and the many people whose lives she touched through music, teaching, church, and friendship.

Debbie lived a full and memorable life, leaving her mark on the communities and people she cared about. She will be remembered for her love of music, her dedication to teaching and service, her strong opinions, her wicked sense of humour, and, most of all, for being unmistakably Debbie.

She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

The Celebration of Debbie’s Life will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the Calvary United Church, in Prince Albert, SK, with Rev. Nora Vedress officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations in Debbie’s memory may be made to the Calvary United Church Benevolent Fund. Online condolences may be left at https://www.arbormemorial.ca/en/riverpark/obituaries/debbie-mcpherson/165629.html . Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of River Park Funeral Home, (306) 764-2727, Colette Harnett, Funeral Director.

• Date : 2026-08-18
• Location : Prince Albert, SK