Deborah (Debbie) Frances Ricci (nee Chisholm) - Egan Funeral Home (2024)

March 16, 1952 – August 31, 2024

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved matriarch, Deborah (“Debbie”) Frances Ricci on August 31, 2024 at the age of 72 at Southlake Regional Health Centre with her husband by her side.

Debbie is survived by her loving husband Joseph (“Joe”) of 48 years, her daughter Ashlee, her son Taylor (Bryer) and her granddaughters Elliot & Lily. She will be deeply missed by her brother David (Janet), her sister’s in-laws Toni (Frank), Rita, Nancy (Nick) and many nieces and nephews. Also, her favourite “grand pets” Monty, Stuart, Olive and Olsen.

Debbie was born in Toronto on March 16, 1952 to James Archibald (“Archie”) and Lillian Chisholm (Stearne). She was raised in the loving home that her grandfather built in the Borough of York. At an early age, Debbie consolidated her piano playing skills to a high level and achieved her Grade 8 piano certificate and then never played again.

Attended grade school at Fairbank Public School and high school at Vaughan Road Collegiate where she graduated with Honours and as an Ontario Scholar scoring the second highest marks, in the high nineties, in the three maths! Debbie was also a member of the synchronized swim team with her best friend Sharon Sample while achieving this high academic achievement.

Off to the University of Toronto where, once again, she graduated with Honours Bachelor of Science, Physiotherapy. She started her working career at Queensway General Hospital but quickly moved to the Homecare Program of Metro Toronto where she catered to many patients in their homes after various surgeries. Debbie was a vibrant outgoing individual who loved meeting new people regardless of race, religion or colour. She treated everyone as individuals and could not tolerate racism or bigotry. She would always say “we all came from somewhere “so this career as a Homecare Therapist was right up her alley.

Debbie met Joe at house party with friends at the age of 14. Their connection was instantaneous. They went steady for 9 years, through different high schools and universities and were married a year after they both graduated on August 7, 1976.

Moved to Bolton Ontario in 1978 where they bought their first starter house and after many renovations remained there to this day. Debbie dedicated her life to family and made their house into a loving home with days filled with laughter, love, respect and many fond memories. Her heart was filled with the accompaniment of her beloved dog, Murphy.

Debbie and Joe were blessed with two loving, caring and generous children, Ashlee in 1980 and Taylor in 1983. Taylor married Bryer in 2015 and two wonderful granddaughters Elliot and Lily arrived in 2017 and 2021 respectively.

Debbie and Joe were fortunate enough to travel to the East and West coast of Canada, Montreal regularly, Barbados, Dominican Republic, London, France (Paris & Avignon & Nice), Switzerland and Italy. Debbie was infatuated with Italy and they traveled there every year since 2011 with the exception of the two covid years. They traveled through the 20 regions of Italy for 6 to 7 weeks at a time and were in love with Florence. They had plans for longer term stays in Florence when her sickness occurred.

Debbie was a voracious reader and could consume a book in days, an exceptional gourmet cook and exceptional hostess. Most of all Debbie was a brilliant, loving, caring, dedicated wife and mother and was constantly smiling and looking on the positive side of life. She was an accomplished and committed swimmer with the Vaughan Aquatic Masters Club and afterward continued to swim 2km a day well into her 70s. A testament to her life long commitment to an active lifestyle. That bright smile and witty sense of humour will be dearly missed by all who new her. Especially her 8-life long girlfriends from elementary school who got together for a weekend every September for the sacred ‘girls’ weekend.’

Debbie’s life was a testament to love, kindness and unwavering support. She was the heartbeat of our family, full of grace and hope and we are all better people for having her in our lives.

The family would like to thank all the Doctors and nurses at the Southlake Regional Health Centre, especially Dr. Amin and Dr. Shaqil Kassam and Dr. Tatiana Conrad of the Stronach Cancer Centre for their guidance and support through this very difficult process.

The family will receive their family and friends at the Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street South (Hwy 50), Bolton (905-857-2213) on Thursday afternoon 1 to 4 and evening 6 to 8 o’clock. Memorial service will be held in the chapel on Friday morning, September 6 at 11 o’clock. Interment of cremated remains will take place at a later date.

Debbie loved flowers and she also loved pets so a donation or flowers would be gratefully appreciated. Donations to the Cancer Society would also be appropriate.

Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com