OKEREKE, Debra Janice

July 11, 1955- Feb 24,2017

Deb passed peacefully from this life into the presence of Jesus after a lengthy illness.  Left to cherish her memory are her mother Lucille Hackl; her sons, Kristian (Sarah) Okereke, and Kyle Okereke, and their sister Leila Mitchell and Leila’s mother Carol Mitchell; her sister-in-law Lori Bradford and Deb’s nieces and nephews, Jeanine Hackl and her children Kaden and Taylor, Robby (Krista Desjardins) Hackl, Jennifer (Chris) Chyz; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many good friends.  Deb was predeceased by her father Walter Hackl; her brother Glen Hackl and her children’s father Anselm Okereke, and her very special dog Shiloh.  Deb was born in Prince Albert and graduated in 1973 from Prince Albert Technical High School. Deb’s caring and compassionate nature led to a career in nursing.  She graduated from Kelsey Institute’s Diploma Nursing program in 1975.  She nursed in Regina and later in Prince Albert. 

Deb was a devoted daughter, mother and friend and active in her Prince Albert community. Her generous and non-judgmental nature as well as her enormous soft heart led to her to making friends wherever she went.  Some of her many interests and involvements over the years included being a La Leche League leader for over 12 years, and assisting countless new mothers to nurture their babies, helping with the family business at Hackl’s Engine Works, and being a Living Books Consultant. She was also artistic and her creative talent was expressed in many ways including the designing of graphics for an online gaming company.  Deb appreciated the beauty of nature all around her, taking great delight in flower gardens, birds and trees.   She enjoyed trips with her children to the mountains, points in the United States, to the northern lakes and a very special trip to Hawaii.  Her Christian faith was of paramount importance to Deb and saw her through many difficulties in life.  She was active in church life in many areas including prayer ministry, choir and Bible study. Deb was artistically creative and passionate about worship music.  She took great delight in composing and singing many original praise and worship songs.  Nothing brought Deb greater joy than time spent with her family, and seeing her sons succeed in their adult lives was a source of great pride to her.   Deb’s family wish to extend heartfelt thanks all those involved in her medical care including staff on level 5 & 6 of the Victoria Hospital, Pineland Homecare, and the staff of Pineview Terrace Lodge.  Thank you as well to the doctors of the Cooperative Health Center, to Pastor Ches and the ladies of Crossroads Church fellowship and to the circle of friends who cared for Deb during her time of illness.  Your acts of kindness have meant so much to us.  To honor Deb’s colorful spirit and artistic nature, the family asks that those attending her celebration of life consider dressing in vibrant colors.  Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 2, 2017 at Crossroads Pentecostal Assembly, 1510 Olive Diefenbaker Drive, Prince Albert, SK with Reverend Ron Baker officiating.  Lunch will be served in the gymnasium following the service.  Deb’s ashes will be dispersed at her request at a later date.   In lieu of other tributes, memorial donations may be made to the SPCA, PO Box 1832, Prince Albert, SK S6V 6J9 or to World Vision Canada, 1 World Drive, Mississauga, ON L5T 2Y4 or to Acquired Brain Injuries, 1410 Kilburn Avenue, Saskatoon, SK S7M 0J8.  Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grays.ca.  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gray’s Funeral Chapel, (306) 922-4729. 

• Date : 2017-02-24